The lecture by Dr Johan Reinhard, a researcher of high altitude Andean sanctuaries, was held at the UW on 27th May. The eminent archaeologist and anthropologist was awarded the University of Warsaw Medal.

Dr Johan Reinhard, from the University of Future Generations and The Mountain Institute, is an eminent archaeologist and anthropologist who lived in the Himalayas for more than a decade. There, he conducted anthropological work, mainly in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim and the Garhwal Himalayas.

Since 1980, Dr Reinhard has carried out field research in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador on the issue of the “sacred landscape” in the different cultures of the Andean area. The work concerned mountain peaks venerated in the pre-Hispanic period, the famous Nazca lines and the pre-Hispanic ceremonial centres of Machu Picchu, Chavin de Huantar, and Tiahuanaco. From 1989 to 1992, Dr Reinhard was the leader of the underwater archaeological research in Lake Titicaca.

He has made more than 200 climbs in the Andes at altitudes above 5,200 meters, leading expeditions that have resulted in the discovery of more than sixty high-altitude ceremonial sites erected by the Incas. He led projects that uncovered Inca capacocha offerings on the Ampato, Pichu Pichu, Sara Sara Misti peaks in southern Peru and Quehuar Llullaillaco, the highest archaeological site in the world (6739 meters) in north-western Argentina.

Lecture and presentation of the UW Medal

On 27th May, in the Ballroom of the Tyszkiewicz-Potocki Palace, Dr Johan Reinhard gave a lecture entitled “The sacred Andes. High mountain archaeology”. The event was organised by the Centre for Andean Research, the Museum of the University of Warsaw, and the Polish Branch of the Explorers Club.

Dr Reinhard collaborates with researchers from the UW’s Centre for Andean Research, particularly with Dr Dagmara Socha, a bioarchaeologist dedicated to the study of mummies of human sacrifices made on mountain tops during the Inca period. They were discovered during expeditions led by the American scientist, including the famous mummy of a young girl called the Lady from Ampato. More information is available in the text “The Lady from Ampato” >>.

The cooperation has resulted in a number of publications in prestigious anthropological journals around the world, which has contributed to a significant increase in the international recognition of Polish archaeological achievements in the New World.

For his scientific achievements and cooperation with the UW, Dr Johan Reinhard was awarded the University of Warsaw Medal.