INSECTS FOUND IN FUNERAL BUNDLE FROM THE TOPATER ARCHAEOLOGIC CEMETERY (REGION OF ATACAMA, CHILE)

Abstract

It is documented and discussed the finding of insects within a “funeral bundle” from the Topater
archaeologic cemetery (Atacama, Calama’s province), that are dated by termoluminescence between
1.025 ± 100 a 2.630 ± 260 years before present (B.P.). It was found the presence of Dermestes peruvianus and Anthrenus sp. (Coleóptera, Dermestidae), together with Tineidae (Lepidoptera) and puparium
of two species of Sarcophagidae (Díptera). It is concluded that coleóptera carne from the bundle post
storage. Instead, the Sarcophagidae are contemporaneous with the mommies of funeral bundles coming
from the post mortem decomposition.