Detect a tremor from an ancient 3000-year-old mask in Argentina

On June 8, Argentine archaeologists announced the discovery of a rectangular bronze mask dating back 3,000 years in the Andes Mountains, questioning the theory that Peru is the starting point of the pre-Columbian metallurgy profession in South America.

This is the oldest man-made bronze item found in this area. However, the greatest concern of archaeologists is that the ancient mask was discovered in Cajon Valley, located in the Andes Mountains in northwestern Argentina.

The mask was used during a funeral 3,000 years ago, during the period when people abandoned the nomadic hunting and gathering life, began to settle permanently with farming and livestock.

The front (left) and the back (right) of the mask.(Source: dailymail.co.uk).

Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires identified the discovery as a proof that the Cajon Valley and surrounding area were once a center for important bronze objects.

The neck mask is 18cm long, 15cm wide, handcrafted, mound from the middle to the outside with holes in the position of eyes, nose, mouth and smaller holes on the edges used to hold the face.

Rain water revealed a mask along with 14 ancient human remains gathered in a grave near La Quebrada province, northwest of Argentina.

Nearby, scientists also discovered a second burial site, but only one remains of 12-year-old children dating back 3,000 years.

In addition, experts also discovered ore deposits that were located nearly 70km away from Cajon valley. It was discovered that the mask made here and possibly metallurgical began in Argentina, not in Peru as the previous study indicated.

Earlier, many bronze artifacts dating back about 1,000 years were found in Peru's Andes. However, archaeologists have not yet determined whether these items are produced here or brought to Peru through commercial activities.