Painted throne room of ancient Peru’s powerful female leader discovered

Nestled in the Nepeña Valley of Peru, Pañamarca is a hidden gem of ancient Moche civilization.

In a recent field season, archaeologists made a stunning discovery: a pillared throne room adorned with various kinds of mysterious paintings.

This is the first-of-its-kind throne room of a high-status female leader ever discovered at Pañamarca or any other ancient Peruvian site.

The discovery was made by the Archaeological Landscapes of Pañamarca (Paisajes Arqueológicos de Pañamarca) research project, which was founded in 2018.

“Pañamarca is the southernmost monumental center of the Moche culture—a society that made their homes in the coastal valleys of northern Peru between about 350 and 850 CE,” the press release noted.

Paintings depict powerful woman on throne

The adobe throne was located in the “Hall of the Moche Imaginary” (Sala del Imaginario Moche).

The walls and pillars encircling the throne showcase “four different scenes of a powerful woman,” suggesting her role as a leader and patron of the arts.

In one scene, the woman is depicted receiving visitors in a procession, while in another she is shown sitting on a throne.

The woman is associated with the crescent moon, marine life, and the crafts of spinning and weaving.

“Pañamarca continues to surprise us,” said Lisa Trever, professor of art history at Columbia University, “not only for the ceaseless creativity of its painters but also because their works are overturning our expectations of gender roles in the ancient Moche world.”

Earlier, the team recorded a range of painted surfaces within this hall, including those of well-dressed men and women, warriors with various animals, and more.

Another significant find

In July, the researchers discovered mural paintings that depict women weaving, men carrying textiles, and the female leader’s crown with braids.

“Scholars will debate whether the woman painted on the walls of the throne room is human or mythical (a priestess, goddess, or queen),” the press release noted.

“But the physical evidence of the throne, including the erosion to its back support and the recovery of greenstone beads, fine threads, and even human hair, make clear that it was occupied by a real living person—and the evidence all points to a seventh-century woman leader of Pañamarca,” it added.

Another major find is the “Hall of the Braided Serpents” — a monumental structure at Pañamarca. It features pillars decorated with intertwining serpents and human legs, as well as other motifs like warriors and “anthropomorphized weapons.”

This hall likely served as a place of gathering and observation for the elite.

“Perched above the plaza, this hall offered a prominent position—almost like box seats at a theater or stadium—from which to observe the goings-on down below, while it also provided private spaces for its privileged occupants,” said archaeologist Michele L. Koons of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Preserving these invaluable murals is a top priority. The team is employing advanced conservation techniques and constructing protective structures to ensure their long-term survival.

However, the mural paintings are currently closed to the public due to their fragility.

To share these discoveries with the world, the team is creating digital renderings and online platforms to provide virtual access to the site.

The project is a joint effort involving archaeologists, art historians, and conservators from Peru and the United States.