Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 25, 2008 5:23:37 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Peru Dig Yields 4000-Year Old Gold Necklace

Posted Mar 31, 08 8:06 PM CDT in World,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Researchers have dug up the oldest piece of crafted gold in the Americas, a 4,000-year old gold necklace, LiveScience reports. Found at a pre-Inca burial site in Peru, the bling proves that primitive societies sought displays of wealth. It signals "the social process towards some kind of inequality," said Mark Aldenderfer, a University of Arizona anthropologist.

The find "was a complete shock," he added. "It was not expected in the least." Researchers found no sign of how the nine-bead necklace was made, but said primitives likely pounded native raw gold with stone mortar and pestle, the AP reports. "These folks are accumulating more wealth and using objects for prestige," Aldenderfer said. It says, "Pay attention to me, I'm successful."

Sources LiveScience, Associated Press

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Archaeologists Unearth Pre-Inca Temple

    Mar 16, 08 6:29 AM CDT
    Archaeologists Unearth Pre-Inca Temple Archaeologists have dug up a pre-Incan temple that sheds light on a lost Peruvian culture, the AP reports. Nestled in a mountain region, the sprawling site housed the Killke people as they fended off an encroaching Spanish empire around 1200 AD. Evidence of mummies and idols shows that the Killke were not only warriors but had a "sacred ceremonial nature," one researcher said. More »

  • Ancient Plaza Found in Peru

    Feb 26, 08 1:50 PM CST
    Archaeologists in Peru have unearthed one of the oldest structures in the Americas, Reuters reports. Carbon dating indicates the ceremonial plaza in Casma is 5,500 years old, scientists at the dig say. That's 500 years older than the nearby ancient citadel of Caral, previously thought be Peru’s oldest ruins. "It's an impressive find," said the project's supervisor. More »

The earliest known gold jewelry made in the Americas has been discovered in southern Peru. The gold and turquoise necklace, made nearly 4,000 years ago, was found in a burial site near Lake Titicaca.   ((c) fortes)
The earliest known gold jewelry made in the Americas has been discovered in southern Peru. The gold and turquoise necklace, made nearly 4,000 years ago, was found in a burial site near Lake Titicaca.   (AP Photo/National Academy of Sciences, PNAS, Mark Aldenderfer)
The earliest known gold jewelry made in the Americas has been discovered in southern Peru. The gold and turquoise necklace, made nearly 4,000 years ago, was found in a burial site near Lake Titicaca.   ((c) fortes)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 2)

Tags

archaeology  • Peru  • discovery  • gold  • jewelry  • anthropology


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »