#chimu people

[blueiskewl]

Archaeologists Uncover Bodies of 76 Children with Hearts Removed in Peru

Archaeologists theorize that in keeping with the customs of the time, the children were victims of child sacrifice.

The remains of dozens of child sacrifice victims have been unearthed in Peru, and many more are likely waiting to be found, archaeologists say.

The skeletons show evidence that the children's hearts were removed, said Gabriel Prieto, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Florida who directs the excavations at Pampa La Cruz, the site near Huanchaco where the remains were found.

All 76 skeletons had a "transversal clean cut across the sternum," Prieto said, which suggests that "they possibly opened up the rib cage and then they possibly extracted the heart."

"They were buried on an extended position, with the feet toward the east," Prieto told Live Science in an email. "They were buried on top of an artificial mound." It's not clear why the sacrifices were located in this position in this place. "We thought that the area, and particularly the mound, was free of Chimu child sacrifices, but we found the opposite," Prieto said.

Excavations have been underway at Pampa La Cruz for several years. So far, 323 child sacrifice victims have been found at the site, and another 137 child and three adult sacrifice victims were found at a nearby site called Las Llamas. These remains also show that the children's hearts had been removed.

Based on the archaeological finds found so far, there are likely many more child sacrifices waiting to be discovered near Huanchaco, Prieto said. "It could be more [than] 1,000 victims, as crazy as it sounds," he said.

Radiocarbon dating needs to be done on the 76 newly uncovered skeletons, but previously found victims at Pampa La Cruz dated to between A.D. 1100 and 1200, Prieto said. Around this time, the Chimu people, known for their fine metalwork and the city Chan Chan, flourished in the area.

Why the Chimu would have engaged in child sacrifice in this area on such a large scale is unclear, Prieto said, but the Chimu also built an artificial irrigation system and new agricultural fields nearby, and some of the sacrifices may have been done to "sanctify" this agricultural system.

People who lived in Huanchaco during the first millennium A.D. also practiced human sacrifice in the area, said Richard Sutter, an anthropology professor at Purdue University Fort Wayne, who is part of the team working at Huanchaco. This means that the Chimu may have been carrying on a long-running practice in the area, Sutter said in an email.

By Owen Jarus.

[occvltswim]

‘Chimú Funerary Attire’, Imperial Epoch (1300 AD-1532 AD), at the Museo Larco in Lima, Peru

These gold adornments once belonged to a major leader of the mud brick city known as Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimú Empire. The feathers on the crown, breastplate and epaulettes express the relationship between birds and the sun, in the celestial world.

[ofbeautsandbeasts]

Greetings from Peru! 👋 These are some highlights from the fascinating city of Trujillo. There are two major archeological sites of pre-Columbian monuments here: Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the ancient world, and the temples (huacas) of the Sun and Moon. Before the Inca conquest, the Moche and Chimu peoples lived here.

[palettepainter]

Food for thought 33

So I wanna try and do some mothers day stuff with the MHA mum’s we’ve been shown, maybe some stuff with OC’s I’ve done too, and alongside trying to think of designs I’ve had this one idea with Ecto’s mum Chimu floating about in my head so here’s a food for thought!

So Ecto’s mum Chimu worked as Akarui’s head of the backstage department before they got married, but I’ve also been entertaining the idea of her working security. With her quirk - Anthropromorph - she’s able to make large clones that can take a buncha hits and do a great deal of damage, and the thought of Chimu - this kind old lady who gives people tea and biscuits and enjoys gardening alongside her husband - being ex head of security who occasionally had to whoop peoples butts 

I had the thought that this first happens when Chimu is out shopping and Higari tags along to help. He still feels out of his comfort zone with Ecto’s parents so he’s maybe trying a bit too hard to try and be helpful and show he’s a good partner for Ecto. Chimu and Akarui are of course lovely and insist that Higari doesn’t NEED to do all this stuff for them but they’re happy he tags along anyway. At some point during their shopping trip a petty theif comes into the shop and tries to rob Chimu, Higari goes to leap into action and nearly gets himself hurt in the process-

Then this giant clone made out of nearby shelf unit grabs this theif by the scruff and tosses them into a display of soup cans, no body messes with Chimu’s son in law in that way

Que Higari blinking wide, confused and above all surprised eyes at Miss Chimu who snorts at the theif who’s groaning in a crumpled pile under the soup cans before turning worridely to Higari 

Ectoplasm and Akarui where later filled in on the situation by a still very surprised Higari, to which Akarui at the end then laughed lightly and went “Yeah, sounds like my wife”

[discount-shades]

1975?

1975: time travel!

This is under the no butterfly effect assumption and that I will not affect history in any way, shape, or form. Also I’m assuming that this is just a visit to learn stuff because I don’t actually want to stuck there for an extended period of time. I’m a big fan of modern medicine. I’m also assuming I’ll speak the languages.

I would love to know more of the time they were painting the Lascaux caves and the context around it and other painted caves.

Also the Scythians, knowing more about that culture.

The height of the Minoans at Knossos.

Stonehenge and the reason for its construction. Same with the Uffington Horse.

This is a dark one but knowing the lead up to the mass child sacrifices in Peru by the Chimu people. Archaeologists are confident it was to stop the rain but to be a fly on the wall when those decisions were made. I’d definitely want to leave before it started. (Yes in an ideal situation I would save the kids but I already put the no butterfly effect rule into place. Plus I don’t think a random white woman showing up would change their minds about the god’s control over the weather.)

Eleusinian Mysteries I don’t particularly want to take part because part of it may be an LSD orgy and I’m not comfortable with that. But again, I just wanna know all the facts.

Literally any prehistoric time where we don’t have writing or oral history and have to make guesses based on archaeological evidence. Just to know the truth would be amazing. I just want to know all the things.

I put a lot of thought into this one. 😬. I loved the question Nony!! 🙂

[kasumakicrew]

Chimu Drake (Preview)

The first panel of a Chimugi themed drake meme. No Salt people!

Chimugi's Channel

Support me on Ko-Fi

[mikeruggerisancientandeannews]

October 20, 2022

76 More Child Sacrifices Uncovered at the Chimu Site of Pampa La Cruz in Peru

Seventy-six more child sacrifices uncovered at the Chimu site of Pampa La Cruz with their hearts removed. All had a transversal clean cut across the sternum to open their rib cages to remove their hearts. They were buried on top of an artificial mound. So far, 323 child sacrifices have been found there, and 137 child and 3 adult sacrifices at the nearby site of Las Llamas, also with their hearts removed. They may find as many as 1,000 children. The earlier sacrifices found dated to 1100-1200 CE. The newly recovered 76 still have to be radiocarbon dated.

The Chimu built an artificial irrigation system and new agricultural fields nearby and may have sacrificed the children to sanctify these projects. El Niño may have played a role as the children may have been sacrificed to appease the gods during bad weather events.

Live Science has the report here: https://www.livescience.com/child-sacrifices-chimu-people-peru

[michaelruggeriancientamericas]

October 20, 2022

76 More Child Sacrifices Uncovered at the Chimu Site of Pampa La Cruz in Peru

Seventy-six more child sacrifices uncovered at the Chimu site of Pampa La Cruz with their hearts removed. All had a transversal clean cut across the sternum to open their rib cages to remove their hearts. They were buried on top of an artificial mound. So far, 323 child sacrifices have been found there, and 137 child and 3 adult sacrifices at the nearby site of Las Llamas, also with their hearts removed. They may find as many as 1,000 children. The earlier sacrifices found dated to 1100-1200 CE. The newly recovered 76 still have to be radiocarbon dated.

The Chimu built an artificial irrigation system and new agricultural fields nearby and may have sacrificed the children to sanctify these projects. El Niño may have played a role as the children may have been sacrificed to appease the gods during bad weather events.

Live Science has the report here: https://www.livescience.com/child-sacrifices-chimu-people-peru

[michaelroofian]

76 child sacrifice victims with their hearts ripped out found in Peru

The remains of 76 child sacrifice victims with their hearts ripped out have been found at Pampa La Cruz in Peru. Why they were sacrificed is unknown, but the practice seems to have been widespread in the area at the time. from Livescience https://www.livescience.com/child-sacrifices-chimu-people-peru/ via IFTTT

[panicinthestudio]

Coup de cœur de la conservation / Curatorial’s Pick | Erell Hubert, April 28, 2020

AU CŒUR DE NOS COLLECTIONS | Le choix de la conservation

Vous aimez découvrir les œuvres de nos collections... et on aime vous les faire découvrir! En attendant de pouvoir vous accueillir de nouveau au Musée, les conservatrices et conservateurs du MBAM vous partagent leurs coups de cœur au sein de nos collections.

Voici celui d’Erell Hubert, conservatrice de l’art précolombien, qui nous parle d’une œuvre venue du Pérou, pays où elle a eu l’occasion de mener des fouilles archéologiques en 2018.

TREASURES FROM OUR COLLECTIONS | Curatorial’s Pick

You like to discover the works in our collections… and we’re happy to indulge you! While we wait to welcome you back to the Museum, our curators want to share with you their favourites from our collections.

Here’s the pick from Erell Hubert, Curator of Pre-Columbian Art. She talks about an artwork from the north coast of Peru, where she had the opportunity to lead archaeological digs in 2018. 

Chimú (900-1470), Peru, North Coast

Double-chambered bottle: moon goddess and animals, 

Earthenware, moulded relief decoration. 

Gift of Sybil and David Fleming. 

Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière

Collection of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

[kiragecko]

Can You Guys Help Me Crowdsource Some Cultural History?

I’m finishing up some calligraphy cards showcasing the different conceptions of cardinal directions in different cultures. Approximately half the cultures have, or had, associations between colours and directions. Makes for really pretty cards, and it’s really cool to see the similarities and differences.

I’m still researching, but first hand info is usually more valuable than academic descriptions. So I was wondering if you guys would be willing to help me out. I’m looking for any association between colours and specific directions, as well as the order people list the directions, which directions are included, and words used. (I have the last 3 pieces of info, but once again – first hand is better than academic.

These are the cultures I’ve included:

Jewish (especially Mizrahi)

Eastern Bantu (specifically Swahili, but I’m also interested in non-Islamicized neighbours)

Yoruba

Japanese (especially in Buddhist cosmology)

Guarani (especially Paraguayan)

Islamic (especially Palestinian)

Dene/Athabaskan (especially Gwich’in, and other Alaskan groups)

And mostly historical cultures:

Peruvian (specifically the historical Mochica/Chimu, but anything from Lambayeque region would be wonderful)

Sudanese (specifically the medieval Christian Nubian kingdoms, but tell me ANYTHING)

Zoroastrian/Mazdayasna and/or Central Asian (specifically the medieval Sogdians, only some of whom were Zoroastrian. Anything from Tajikstan/Uzbekistan/Kyrgyzstan would also be wonderful.)

[admelioraii]

In the footsteps of the Incan ancestors

Peruvian children in traditional clothing

Peru means “land of abundance”(in Aymara language) and that is a perfectly chosen word to describe this rich, diverse and colourful country. It is the third largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina.

Peru has big amounts of mineral, agricultural and marine resources that have long served as its economic foundation.

The cold Peruvian current where upwelling brings abundant nutrients to the water surface there the beneficial effects of the sunlight results in plankton growth, which make these waters one of the world's greatest fishing grounds.

In spite of Peru's tropical location in the Southern Hemisphere it has enormous differences in climate, economical activities and ways of life.Peru is normally divided into three main geographic zones. The Andean highlands, the arid coastline and the largely unpopulated Peruvian Amazon, the rainforest.

This large geographical diversity gives Peru one of the greatest biodiversities in the world. In the upcoming section we will follow the footsteps of the Peruvian forefathers to discover more about this great and colourful country.

First footstep:👣

Our first footstep is the pre Incan culture.

The civilization “Caral” marks the beginning of the Peruvian, as well as the rest of the American continent’s history.

It is estimated to be as old as 5000 years, making it contemporary with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India.

Nevertheless, without leaving much trace of evidence of its existence the caral civilization suddenly disappeared and was replaced by the “Chavin” civilization.

In that way the history kept repeating itself and civilization followed civilization, some disappeared by themselves others were conquered by stronger ones.

Nasca Lines, Peru

Second Footstep:👣👣

Our second footstep is the Nazca. The Nazcas predated the Incas by as much as 2000 years, in other words 800 B.C and are most famous for having drawn the Nazca lines.

These are huge drawings representing a hummingbird, spider, fish, condor, heron, monkey, lizard, cat, dog and a human or some of the lines are just lines. By making shallow incisions in the desert floor, removing stones and leaving differently coloured dirt exposed, the lines they drew have been preserved during thousands of years due to the extreme environmental circumstances that have helped to preserve them.

The purpose of the lines is unclear but experts presume their purposes are religious.

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Third Footstep:👣👣👣

The third footstep is Lake Titicaca. This important lake has a maximum depth of 280 meters and is shared by Peru and Bolivia and is situated high up in the Andes at 3.812 metres. It is the world's highest navigable lake and it is said to be the birthplace of the Incas. The waters of lake Titicaca are famously still and brightly reflexive.

This fresh water lake, that also is one of South America’s largest lakes, is shaped as a puma, herefrom its name Titicaca meaning puma in Aymara language. Today we can see floating villages made of reeds on the lake, where the Uros people live. They rely on fishing and tourism for survival.

We also find protected aquatic wildlife by the lake, special and unique are the giant frogs.

Statue of Pachacutec, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Fourth Footstep:👣👣👣👣

The forth footstep are the Incas.

The Incan Empire was the last chapter of thousands of years of Andean civilization directly preceded by two other large scale Empires, the Tiwanaku 300-1100 A.C in the lake Titicaca region and the Wari or Huari 600-1100 A.C near the city of Ayacucho.

As said earlier the Incan civilization was born by the shores of lake Titicaca and grew to become an Empire, at the time known as “realm of the four parts”. It was the largest Empire in pre-Columbian America.

No monetary currency was used in the Incan Empire but exchange of goods and taxes consisted of a labour obligation of a person to the Empire. Another interesting fact is that they used knotted strings or so called “ quipus” for record keeping and written communication.

The Incas rose to power in the early 13th century and their last stronghold was conquered in 1572 by Spanish conquerors.

Ruins of the Empire can be found across Peru today, some of which are hidden by the rainforest's intense vegetation.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Fifth Footstep:👣👣👣👣👣

One of these ruins and our fifth footstep is Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu the city in the clouds. 

Machu Picchu is one of the only Inca towns to have survived the Spanish conquest.

Believed to have been built in the 1400’s Machu Picchu got the nickname “the lost city of the Incas” because it is said that the Spanish never set foot there.

Because of its position up of two fault lines it experiences frequent earthquakes but thanks to the combination of its intelligent design and sturdy building materials it has survived through time.

There are 150 buildings in this old site and they vary from temples to bathhouses.

Without doubt one of the most impressive architectural features of Machu Picchu is the renowned staircase with 100 steps that have been carved out of one single piece of stone.

On top of that and as far as we know the Incas didn’t have any wheels thus it had to have been hauled to the summit by hand or carved out of the mountain itself.

Machu Picchu translated from Quechua means “old mountain “or “old peak” and it was cleverly built to withstand earthquakes and to avoid landslides. Water collecting systems were built under the buildings inside the mountains.

These systems collected water in drainage basins and the water was later redistributed throughout Machu Picchu and surroundings.

Roads leading to and from Machu Picchu were connected to the Empire’s transport system including paths, bridges and mountain tracks that stretched all over Peru.

Rainbow Mountains

Sixths Footstep:👣👣👣👣👣👣

Even though our sixth footstep doesn’t involve the country’s history it is a remarkably beautiful footstep.

The rainbow mountains. 

The colour of these mountains resembles that of a rainbow, here from the name, they are also called “Montaña de siete colores” (the seven coloured mountain). It is situated in the Andean mountain chain at 5.200 meters above sea level.

These beautifully multicoloured mountains with tones of turquoise, lavender,gold, terracotta and red, contain 14 different colours in total. The mountains have got their colours from weathering and mineralogy. The dissimilar colouration developed due to different environmental conditions and mineralogy when the sediment was originally deposited and later día genetically altered. The temperature here is 0 degrees celcius at night. It is one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders!

Chan Chan, Peru

Seventh Footstep:👣👣👣👣👣👣👣

The seventh and last footstep is a combination of some small, scattered and interesting locations.

Framed by three volcanoes and built primarily from white volcanic stones, Arequipa is one of Peru’s most charming colonial cities.

It is here that we find “Santuarios Andinos “ , a small museum with a grisly secret, the mummified remains of the young victims offered as human sacrifices in the peak overlooking the city.

The 550 years old “ice maiden “ Juanita is the best preserved of the mummies.

Even though the south of Peru is a land of Misty volcanoes here we also find one of the world's deepest canyons “Colca” with a depth of 3.250 meters, where mighty condors live. The tribe”los collaguas” who also lived here in the high part of the canyon, used to bury their dead by digging a hole along the steep rocky canyon and marking it with red paint. Faint red stains can still be found today when driving along the canyon on the roads on the tops of the mountains.

In the northern parts of Peru where the Moche civilization had its stronghold around 300 A.D, we find the Lord of Sipán (señor de Sipán). His remains were found not too long ago as the first of a group of mummies found at Huaca Rajada, Sipán.

Lord of Sipán was 35-45 years old when he died but it is his treasures that amazed the world as most of his ornaments were either gold, silver, bronze or semi precious stones.

The Incan bath houses are situated in Cajamarca, it is centred on a spa which uses thermal spring water with medical and therapeutic benefits.

It is said to have been the favourite place of the Incan Lord Atawallpa.

Another remarkable location is the Chanchan cultures sand houses in the capital of the Chimu kingdom, they are from the 15th century and still standing today.

Gold Treasures

Conclusion:

Having followed the footsteps, we have reached the end of our mountain trail. This marks the finish line of our journey in Peru leaving us with the conclusion.

Peru, as the rest of Latin America, are rich and abundant countries. They are also known for centuries to have been rich in precious metals such as gold and silver.

It is not difficult to imagine where the rumours of “ El dorado” come from.

Whether it is imaginary, based on legends or somewhat truth based.

One can ask himself if there was nothing else behind Columbus' voyage to the “ new world”.

Al khashkhash ibn Said ibn Aswad , an Andalusian citizen from Còrdoba, traveled with a group of friends by ship and crossed the “sea of darkness”(that’s what the Arabs used to call the Atlantic Ocean). On his return in 889 A.C he shared his stories about what he saw and the people he met.

Imam al Shabi, wrote in one of his books 600 A.C about a land behind al Andalus, as far away from there as “we” are from al Andalus.

In any case, they were not the only ones to have discovered the”big land”.

According to the Arabs the Africans, to be more precise the Malians, also traveled to Latin America, they as well as the Arabs went to the Americas in pre-Columbian times.

Mali was one of the richest and most developed countries in Africa in the 14th century.

Could Columbus have been so confused or misinformed or was it a “cover up expedition” as an excuse to conquer and plunder “the big land”???

Information obtained from; 

Etapas históricas del Perú www gob.pe gobierno del Perú, 

National Geographic’s Megastructures, 

Historical Arabic sources, and 

A special thanks to a dear friend for providing insight and support.

[legend-collection]

Chinese dragon

The Chinese dragon, also known as loong, long or lung, is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology, Chinese folklore, and Chinese culture at large. Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. Academicians have identified four reliable theories on the origin of the Chinese dragon: snakes, Chinese alligators, thunder and nature worship. They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people who are worthy of it in East Asian culture. During the days of Imperial China, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial strength and power. In Chinese culture, excellent and outstanding people are compared to a dragon, while incapable people with no achievements are compared to other, disesteemed creatures, such as a worm. A number of Chinese proverbs and idioms feature references to a dragon, such as "Hoping one's child will become a dragon".

From its origins as totems or the stylized depiction of natural creatures, the Chinese dragon evolved to become a mythical animal. The Han dynasty scholar Wang Fu recorded Chinese myths that long dragons had nine anatomical resemblances.

The people paint the dragon's shape with a horse's head and a snake's tail. Further, there are expressions as 'three joints' and 'nine resemblances' (of the dragon), to wit: from head to shoulder, from shoulder to breast, from breast to tail. These are the joints; as to the nine resemblances, they are the following: his antlers resemble those of a stag, his head that of a camel, his eyes those of a demon, his neck that of a snake, his belly that of a clam, his scales those of a carp, his claws those of an eagle, his soles those of a tiger, his ears those of a cow. Upon his head he has a thing like a broad eminence (a big lump), called chimu. If a dragon has no chimu, he cannot ascend to the sky.

Further sources give variant lists of the nine animal resemblances. Sinologist Henri Doré lists these characteristics of an authentic dragon: "The antlers of a deer. The head of a crocodile. A demon's eyes. The neck of a snake. A tortoise's viscera. A hawk's claws. The palms of a tiger. A cow's ears. And it hears through its horns, its ears being deprived of all power of hearing." He notes that, "Others state it has a rabbit's eyes, a frog's belly, a carp's scales." The anatomy of other legendary creatures, including the chimera and manticore, is similarly amalgamated from fierce animals.

Chinese dragons were considered to be physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence (positive) while 36 are of the yin essence (negative). Initially, the dragon was benevolent, wise, and just, but the Buddhists introduced the concept of malevolent influence among some dragons. Just as water destroys, they said, so can some dragons destroy via floods, tidal waves, and storms. They suggested that some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon.

Many pictures of Chinese dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin or in their claws. The pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, or the moon. Chinese art often depicts a pair of dragons chasing or fighting over the flaming pearl.

Chinese dragons are occasionally depicted with bat-like wings growing out of the front limbs, but most do not have wings, as their ability to fly (and control rain/water, etc.) is mystical and not seen as a result of their physical attributes.

This description accords with the artistic depictions of the dragon down to the present day. The dragon has also acquired an almost unlimited range of supernatural powers. It is said to be able to disguise itself as a silkworm, or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among the clouds or hide in water (according to the Guanzi). It can form clouds, can turn into water, can change color as an ability to blend in with their surroundings, as an effective form of camouflage or glow in the dark (according to the Shuowen Jiezi).

In many other countries, folktales speak of the dragon having all the attributes of the other 11 creatures of the zodiac, this includes the whiskers of the Rat, the face and horns of the Ox, the claws and teeth of the Tiger, the belly of the Rabbit, the body of the Snake, the legs of the Horse, the goatee of the Goat, the wit of the Monkey, the crest of the Rooster, the ears of the Dog, and the snout of the Pig.

In some circles, it is considered bad luck to depict a dragon facing downwards, as it is seen as disrespectful to place a dragon in such manner that it cannot ascend to the sky. Also, depictions of dragons in tattoos are prevalent as they are symbols of strength and power, especially criminal organisations where dragons hold a meaning all on their own. As such, it is believed that one must be fierce and strong enough, hence earning the right to wear the dragon on his skin, lest his luck be consumed by the dragons.

According to an art historian John Boardman, depictions of Chinese Dragon and Indian Makara might have been influenced by Kētos in Greek Mythology possibly after contact with silk-road images of the Kētos as Chinese dragon appeared more reptilian and shifted head-shape afterwards.

Chinese dragons are strongly associated with water and weather in popular religion. They are believed to be the rulers of moving bodies of water, such as waterfalls, rivers, or seas. The Dragon God is the dispenser of rain as well as the zoomorphic representation of the yang masculine power of generation. In this capacity as the rulers of water and weather, the dragon is more anthropomorphic in form, often depicted as a humanoid, dressed in a king's costume, but with a dragon head wearing a king's headdress.

There are four major Dragon Kings, representing each of the Four Seas: the East Sea (corresponding to the East China Sea), the South Sea (corresponding to the South China Sea), the West Sea (sometimes seen as the Qinghai Lake and beyond), and the North Sea (sometimes seen as Lake Baikal).

Because of this association, they are seen as "in charge" of water-related weather phenomena. In premodern times, many Chinese villages (especially those close to rivers and seas) had temples dedicated to their local "dragon king". In times of drought or flooding, it was customary for the local gentry and government officials to lead the community in offering sacrifices and conducting other religious rites to appease the dragon, either to ask for rain or a cessation thereof.

The King of Wuyue in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period was often known as the "Dragon King" or the "Sea Dragon King" because of his extensive hydro-engineering schemes which "tamed" the sea.

In coastal regions of China, Korea, Vietnam, traditional legends and worshipping of whales (whale gods) as the guardians of people on the sea have been referred to Dragon Kings after the arrival of Buddhism.

Dragons or dragon-like depictions have been found extensively in neolithic-period archaeological sites throughout China. Some of earliest depictions of dragons were found at Xinglongwa culture sites. Yangshao culture sites in Xi'an have produced clay pots with dragon motifs. A burial site Xishuipo in Puyang which is associated with the Yangshao culture shows a large dragon mosaic made out of clam shells. The Liangzhu culture also produced dragon-like patterns. The Hongshan culture sites in present-day Inner Mongolia produced jade dragon objects in the form of pig dragons which are the first 3-dimensional representations of Chinese dragons.

One such early form was the pig dragon. It is a coiled, elongated creature with a head resembling a boar. The character for "dragon" in the earliest Chinese writing has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the Shang dynasty. A snake-like dragon body painted on red pottery wares was discovered at Taosi (Shanxi) from the second phase of the Longshan Culture, and a dragon-like object coated with approximately 2000 pieces of turquoise and jade was discovered at Erlitou.

Several Ming dynasty texts list what were claimed as the Nine Offspring of the Dragon , and subsequently these feature prominently in popular Chinese stories and writings. The scholar Xie Zhaozhe [zh] (1567–1624) in his work Wu Za Zu Wuzazu [zh] (c. 1592) gives the following listing, as rendered by M.W. de Visser:

A well-known work of the end of the sixteenth century, the Wuzazu, informs us about the nine different young of the dragon, whose shapes are used as ornaments according to their nature;

The pú láo, four leg small form dragon class which like to scream, are represented on the tops of bells, serving as handles.

The qiú niú, which like music, are used to adorn musical instruments.

The chī wěn, which like swallowing, are placed on both ends of the ridgepoles of roofs (to swallow all evil influences).

The cháo fēng, beasts-like dragon which like adventure, are placed on the four corners of roofs.

The yá zì, which like to kill, are engraved on sword guards.

The xì xì, which have the shape of the chī hǔ (One kind small form dragon), and are fond of literature, are represented on the sides of grave-monuments.

The bì àn, which like litigation, are placed over prison gates (in order to keep guard).

The suān ní, which like to sit down, are represented upon the bases of Buddhist idols (under the Buddhas' or Bodhisattvas' feet).

The bì xì, also known as bà xià, finally, big tortoises which like to carry heavy objects, are placed under grave-monuments.

Further, the same author enumerates nine other kinds of dragons, which are represented as ornaments of different objects or buildings according to their liking prisons, water, the rank smell of newly caught fish or newly killed meat, wind and rain, ornaments, smoke, shutting the mouth (used for adorning key-holes), standing on steep places (placed on roofs), and fire.

The Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty emulated the Yuan dynasty rules on the use of the dragon motif and decreed that the dragon would be his emblem and that it should have five claws. The four-clawed dragon would be used typically for imperial nobility and certain high-ranking officials. The three-clawed dragon was used by lower ranks and the general public (widely seen on various Chinese goods in the Ming dynasty). The dragon, however, was only for select royalty closely associated with the imperial family, usually in various symbolic colors, while it was a capital offense for anyone—other than the emperor himself—to ever use the completely gold-colored, five-clawed Long dragon motif. Improper use of claw number or colors was considered treason, punishable by execution of the offender's entire clan. During the Qing dynasty, the Manchus initially considered three-clawed dragons the most sacred and used that until 1712 when it was replaced by five-clawed dragons, and portraits of the Qing emperors were usually depicted with five-clawed dragons.

The number nine is special in China as it is seen as number of the heaven, and Chinese dragons are frequently connected with it. For example, a Chinese dragon is normally described in terms of nine attributes and usually has 117 (9×13) scales–81 (9×9) Yang and 36 (9×4) Yin. This is also why there are nine forms of the dragon and there are 9 sons of the dragon. The Nine-Dragon Wall is a spirit wall with images of nine different dragons, and is found in imperial Chinese palaces and gardens. Because nine was considered the number of the emperor, only the most senior officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes—and then only with the robe completely covered with surcoats. Lower-ranking officials had eight or five dragons on their robes, again covered with surcoats; even the emperor himself wore his dragon robe with one of its nine dragons hidden from view.

Pic by Silgan on DeviantArt

[historical-nonfiction]

Ancient DNA Suggests Little Ancient Andean Migration

A recent study of ancient human DNA in the Andes of South America looked at DNA samples from 22 sites, dating between 7,000 BCE to 1500 CE. They found an unusual trend: except in the large urban centers, the genetic profile of Andean people remained the same over 2,000 years.

Somewhat surprising given the various cultures and empires that rose and fell over the time period studies. This is the region that saw the Chavin (900 - 200 BCE), then Moche (00s - 600s CE), Nazca (100 BCE - 800 CE) Tiwanaku and Wari (till 1000s CE), Chimu (900 - 1470 CE), and finally the most famous Inca (1400s - 1500s CE). The changing political and cultural forces did not seem to impact people's DNA, however.

[prism-stone-planet]

Primagi episode titles and summaries

Episode 11: Jump, Hina! Overcome your loneliness! (December 12)

Hina, who’s aiming to defeat Jennifer who’s the previous PriMagi Grand Festival winner, arrives at the Fresh Festival in perfect condition. Matsuri, who was training with her, is nervous but ready to go. However, the sudden announcement after the opening speech sends the audience into a frenzy. Jennifer won’t be participating in the Grand Festival this year. Hina, having lost the source of her motivation, becomes desperate and injures her leg in a reckless preparation exercise.

Episode 12: Matsuri VS Hina, Who will the Phoenix smile upon? (December 19)

When Hina asked why she isn't competing, Jennifer sadly replies, "Because Primagi is for people who have dreams.” Meanwhile, Matsuri’s performance finally begins, and she’s about to put on her best Primagi performance yet.

Episode 13: Waccha Magic Word (December 26)

Myamu suddenly finds herself unable to speak. Unable to find a way to restore her speech, Matsuri becomes depressed at her own ineptitude. On the other hand, Myamu is told by Chimu, Hina's partner, that she doesn’t seem like herself. After reexamining themselves, Matsuri and Myamu head off to a certain place, as if to regain their original intentions.

January 2 (No Episode)

Episode 14: Hot, Suspicious and Beautiful ~Amane’s PriMagi~ (January 9)

[palettepainter]

Ectoloader royalty AU

I literally haven’t been able to get this out of my head sooo new au!

Royalty AU

Ecto’s mother Chimu is the queen to a southern kindgom, Ecto’s dad is the Queen’s advisor and Zeikin is a King in the Eastern kingdom.

Despite not having a royal title as the Queen’s advisor Ecto’s dad still has a lot of authority and is seen as a powerful figure head in the queen’s royal court. Chimu, Zeikin and Akarui all grow close together. Like in the main AU Zeikin had a crush on Chimu and planned to propose to her, but ruling a kingdom was time consuming, and as the three grew up their friendship began to fade. Akarui is shocked when he finds Chimu and Akarui are engaged - the queen’s advisor?? What did HE have that he didnt?! Zeikin had a kingdom, power, a title and crown for crying out loud!

Chimu and Akarui marry and Akarui is dubbed King to the southern realm, years later, the two are gifted a healthy heir - their son, Ecto, the future king to the southern kingdom.

Ectoplasm grows up with all the finner things in life - riches, a warm bed, delicious food, as a child he loved this. But as he grew older, in his teen years, he longed for freedom to roam outside, but his parents forbid it. Life beyond the castle walls was dangerous, many would not hesitate to take advantage of Ecto, so his parents became a littel sheltering in later years - which leads to Ectoplasm rebelling.

Higari on the other hand, is a villager boy, born into a family of famers. He spends most of his childhood cutting crops, herding chickens and going to market with his parents. Kaigo in this AU is still dead (not sure how, but it’s somehow linked to the royal hierarchy, maybe he died in an accident at the royal castle or something), and thus Higari, being the oldest child, is tasked with the most duties in the home. At a young age he starts doing business in the market to help buy food, all the while Ecto is being waited on by his parents many servants

Ecto learns to start sneaking out of the castle at night so he could venture out into the village beyond the walls, with how sheltered his life had been within the castle he didn’t take the dangers of the outside world all that seriously. He’s...disappointed by it

The market place is filthy, and gross, and smelly - the people are rude, they shove him about, everyone yelling and a cart splashed mud on him when he was trying to cross the street. Higari ends up getting him out of trouble when he sees Ecto getting into trouble with some of the more shadier people Higari was warned about

Ecto is intruiged by this small village man and decides that HE will be his new guide. Every night Ecto continues to sneak out of town to meet up with the stranger market man, who is surprised to see him again the same night. Ecto at first uses Higari purely to learn more about the world outside the castle, he’s still pretty vain and uncultered in a lot of things. He cringes at the sloppy slice of pie Higari gives him one day when he asked if Higari and him go out for some food - he was used to expertly prepared cuisine. He doesn’t understand why Higari can’t just buy a new pair of shoes if his current ones are getting a little tattered. Higari explains how money doesn’t grow on trees, you have to work to get what you want...Ecto doesn’t like the way in which Higari seems to sadden when he tells him how his family is pretty poor...Ecto got him a new pair of shoes - b-but only because he felt sorry for Higari, it’s not cuz he was getting attached or because Higari was the first real friend he had made.

The final turning point for Ecto is when he sneaks out of the castle and it starts to thunder, he’s cold and soaked and before he knows it he’s lost...thankfully Higari happened to be chasing the families lost chickens back home and finds a mizerable Ecto sniffling under a tree. He takes him home to his very surprised mother, who then nags how they don’t have enough food to feed another mouth. Ecto feels out of place in such a tiny home with so many people, but Higari stands his ground and Ecto can’t help but feel flattered at the gesture. 

Ecto stays the night, has dinner, and see’s just how...happy Higari’s family is despite having so little . They had no servants, no finely made beds, no three course meal, yet here they where - laughing and smiling round the table. He and Higari are laughing, he feels happy! Much happier then he did at the castle..

When it’s time to turn in for the night Higari offers Ecto his bed, but Ecto offers for them to share when Higari say’s he’ll just crash on the old arm chair. Ecto and Higari are at first very stiff, laying back to back on either side of the bed...It’s barely above a whisper, but Ecto quietly thanks Higari for welcoming him into his home, and for being his friend. He’d never really had a friend before...it was nice. Higari blushes, and shyly replies that he didn’t really have any friends before either

The two are now facing each other, they’re smiling,blushing, slowly leaning in - and they kiss

Ecto ended up sleeping in, to the point his parents had discovered his absence and had launched a search party. Ecto, Higari and the rest of his family are startled when the royal guard come knocking at their door, demanding to search the house. Ecto stumbles out of bed, trying to scramble to the window while a confused Higari wonders what’s wrong. Ecto tries to think of something to say, but before he can the guard are rushing in. The situation had no context - they only saw the prince trying to escape through the window, with Higari trying to tug him back inside. 

Higari is arrested by the guard, leaving his family devestated as they find out Ecto - Higari’s friend - is in fact the prince.

Higari feels hurt, betrayed - why had Ecto kept it hidden?? Was he embaressed?? Did he not want word spreading that the prince was friends with some villager boy like him?! Was Ecto just using him so he could have a break from his oh so hard life as a royal?? - Ecto tries to explain himself, say that he didn’t mean to hurt Higari’s feelings, but Higari is having none of it

Ecto is thoroughly scolded by his very worried parents, Ecto says nothing - doesn’t argue, doesn’t huff, says nothing. When his parents dismiss him to his room he cries into his desk. Stupi stupid stupid!! Look what you’d gone and done!

His mind goes back to Higari, the time he first saw him smile when he’d gotten him those new shoes. He looked so happy. Beaming ear to ear, one blue eye pratically twinkling under his dirty mane of ginger hair - Ecto feels his cheeks heating, his face getting hotter as he thinks more of Higari and his silly, stupid, adorable, cute little face

Yeah then there’s a happy ending they get married da da da, I got nothing else so far but feel free to send any ideas!