Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum

The treasures of the Lord of Sipán are one of the most important attractions in all of Peru and should not be missed by any visitor to the north of Peru. These are housed in the purpose built Museo de las Tumbas Reales de Sipán (Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum) nearby.

The museums house many of the treasures found in the tombs at Sipán, including those of the Señor de Sipán, the Viejo Señor de Sipán and the Sacerdote. Each piece is clearly exhibited and well illuminated, allowing you to fully appreciate its intricate beauty. The collection of jewellery from the tombs at Sipán is one of the most important in the world and would be the star attraction in just about any museum worldwide.

The treasures of the Señor de Sipán contain an amazing collection from the tomb. The very beautiful pieces include fabulous coral breastplates, nose rings and adornments, gilded copper breastplates and gold necklaces with delicate designs. Some of the most amazing pieces are the gold earrings with intricate gold and turquoise figures. The stem that passes through the ears on these has a diameter of a couple of centimetres, which seems impossible. However, it must be remembered that Moche nobles had pierced ears from a very young age, and as they grew older, the size of the stem was increased, until the noble had sizeable holes in his earlobes, allowing him to support the weight of enormous earrings.

The articles found with the Viejo Señor de Sipán, are, if anything, even more amazing than those of the Señor de Sipán. The wonderful gilded copper crab-man is fabulous, and the gold spider necklace, with Moche faces supported by delicate spider legs, is a joy to behold. There are also treasures from the tomb of the Sacerdote, including the famous gold and silver peanut necklace.