In my wildest dreams would I have never thought walking through a sandy plane scattered with ancient human remains was even possible. I never thought there could be a place like this left on the planet. We visited a cemetery with researcher Brien Foerster on our recent trip to southern Peru.
We stumbled across the remains of the Incas, Chincha and even those of the once thriving Paracas culture. This once burial site of the ancients is now a bone junk yard, only needing to dig into the shallow sandy dunes to uncover layer upon layer of grave sites. One culture upon another honored their dead by placing them in the ground, often with offerings of corn, cotton and pottery. The style of pottery remnants changed identifying the individual culture as the human remains eternally rest without protest. And this is the very site where many of the engimatic elongated skulls of Paracas were uncovered as well.
Some of the remains found at this site date back over 2,000 years. When we handled the remains with much honor and respect. I actually talked to all of the remains I picked up and thanked them. That was the only way it was ok for me. Then I placed them back where I found them.
Imagine jumping over two ravines, drudging up sandy dunes and navigating the corners of private properties. You’ll never find this cemetery on a map or a tourist guide, yet thousands of souls have found their way to external rest here in the sandy dunes. The exploration of the grounds proved to be one of those opportunities of a lifetime (and worth the two sprained ankles that resulted from this adventure.) Would I do it again? Oh yes!
We hope you enjoy this photo essay of our adventure.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
