La Doncella

By Crusader1307

''La Doncella'' or ''The Maiden'' is a late Incan Culture ''Child Sacrifice'', discovered at the base of a sub-volcano in Llullaillaco, Peru – in 1999. Part of a ''find'' of three such ''sacrifices'', The Maiden is in such an excellent state of ''natural preservation'', that She can easily appear to have ''died'' yesterday and NOT in the year 1500 AD! Her ''condition'' was in part, due to the high atmosphere (low oxygen), cold climate and volcanic ash She was placed in. Found in a hand carved underground shelter, almost all decomposition ceased. Even Her ''blood'' (frozen) was preserved. Her origins are known (to a point). As with Incan Culture, Child Sacrifices were quite common. It was believed that ''The Gods'' lived in Volcanoes. A wide variety of reason were thought to be needed to make such ''offerings''. Perhaps a poor harvest among The People, War or major disease – were all ''good cause''. The Maiden was part of a pre-selected Group of ''special children'' – chosen at birth. Mostly taken from Nobility, The Maiden would have had an exceptional life of ''good food, clothing and all excess''. Mostly between the ages of 10 and 16 were selected for ''honoring The Gods''. In The Maiden's case (and Her two other ''friends''), she was taken on a weeks long Processional ''journey'' by Priests. During a Ritual at the base of The Volcano, She was given a mixture of Coca Leaves (Cocaine) and alcohol. This put her into a ''drug induced coma''. So immobilized, She was in essence – ''buried alive''. Other Incan Societies also used Blunt Force Trauma (to The Head), as a means of ''Sacrifice''. The Maiden is ''maintained'' in her ''pristine'' condition with the aide of a specially constructed chamber that duplicates the exact conditions she was found in.