Peruvian authorities have confiscated a mummified human believed to be around 600 to 800 years old from a former food delivery worker who asserted possession for the past three decades.
The mummy is between 600 and 800 years old. Credit: China Daily
The mummy was discovered concealed within an isothermal delivery bag that had previously been used for food deliveries.
The individual in question, Julio Cesar Bermejo, has been detained and will remain in custody while investigators delve deeper into the peculiar case, as confirmed by a government official speaking to AFP on Tuesday.
Bermejo has claimed to be the custodian of the mummy, affectionately referred to as “Juanita,” for the past 30 years, a legacy passed down from his father.
During an interview with reporters, he provided insights into his unique arrangement, describing how the mummy shares his bedroom, which he dutifully cares for. In his own words, “She’s in my room. I take care of her, I maintain her; she is like my spiritual partner.”
The mummy, identified as a “mummified adult male, likely originating from the eastern region of Puno,” located within the Peruvian Andes, approximately 1,300 kilometers (over 800 miles) southeast of Lima, was confirmed by the Ministry of Culture.
Notably, the ministry’s expert clarified that it is not a “Juanita” but rather a “Juan,” emphasizing the mummy’s age, which is estimated to be at least 45 years.
The discovery unfolded when Peruvian police encountered the mummy within Bermejo’s bag while patrolling a park in Puno, where he was spending time with friends. According to reports by Euronews, the mummy was found swathed in bandages, positioned in the fetal posture.
The Ministry of Culture has now taken custody of the mummified remains, with the primary goal of safeguarding and preserving this valuable cultural heritage.