Huaca Cao Viejo

The area southwest of Huaca Cao Viejo, seen in the background, was tested in 1998 primarily to identify domestic Moche occupations.   Cao Viejo is a Middle Moche adobe pyramid or huaca, and has been the location of intensive archaeological investigations since the early 1990s when Peruvian archaeologists began uncovering ceremonial plazas and chambers surrounding the huaca.   Excavation shelters and wind breaks can be seen on top of Huaca Cao Viejo.  These temporary buildings protect the monument and the archaeologists from the wind and sun.  Stratigraphic excavation of  the area southwest of Cao Viejo in 1998 defined extensive Moche occupation areas.  In 1999, archaeologists working in this area uncovered a Moche ceremonial compound known as Las Tinajas. 

This Moche mural was discovered on the north face of  Cao Viejo adjacent to the main ceremonial plaza.   The closeup view depicts prisoners being lead by a rope which is tied around their necks.  Ceramic artifacts uncovered from burial tombs within the huaca include realistic stirrup spout bottles that depict a varity of human and animal figures such the duck pictured below.