A new analysis revealed that red paint that was used to decorate a golden mask worn by an elite Peruvian man 1,000 years ago, contained trace amounts of human blood.
The man, who was between 40 and 50 years old at the time of his death, lived during the Sicán that spanned from 750 A.D. to 1375 – an era known for its dazzling array of gold objects, many of which were buried in tombs of the elite class.
The tomb was first discovered in the 1990s, and archaeologists at that time were able to locate it. concluded the red paint cinnabar, a brick-red form of mercury, but the effective organic binder remained a mystery – until now.
Scientists, led by Izumi Shimada, founder of the Sicán Archaeological Project, reassessed the ancient burial mask and Unique peptides have been discovered that match both human blood and bird egg protein.
In a study published by the Journal of Proteome Research, the team stated that “the presence of human blood would support previous beliefs that red cinnabar painting may represent ‘life force’ meant to support rebirth.”
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A new analysis has revealed that a gold mask found on the remains of a Peruvian elite man died 1,000 years ago is covered with red paint that contains human blood.
The mask, made from gold, was found on the man, whose skeleton had been painted red and was seated inside the tomb.
Two young women’s skeletons were found in close proximity to each other during birthing and midwifing. According to a statement two children crouching on their skeletons were placed at higher levels.
Shimada and his associates analyzed a small amount red paint from a mask in the hopes of determining its organic binder.
Using a spectroscopy, a study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, the team found six proteins from human blood in the red paint, including serum albumin and immunoglobulin G (a type of human serum antibody). Other proteins, like ovalbumin, were obtained from egg whites.

The tomb was originally unearthed in the 1990s and archaeologists at the time concluded the red paint cinnabar, a brick-red form of mercury, but the effective organic binder remained a mystery – until now
The researchers were unable to identify the exact species bird egg that made the paint because of the way the proteins were degraded. However, they did find the Muscovy duck as a possible candidate.
The Sican culture lived on the north coast of Peru, predating the Incas. However Ancient Origins reports that their development is still unclear.
However, some say Sicáns are descendants of the Moche culture that flourished in the country from 100 A.D. to 700 A.D.
The Sicán culture put a large focus on the funerary practices of the elites, who were often buried with stunning grave goods.
Another aspect of Sicán funerary practice that has gained attention relatively recently is that of human sacrifice – and it was mostly women who were sacrificed and laid in the tombs of men.