Valparaíso Museum opens exhibition of 11,000-year-old archaeological finds

The Valparaíso Natural History Museum has inaugurated a new exhibition titled ‘Un viaje al pasado de Puchuncaví’ (A journey to the past of Puchuncaví). The display features a selection of over 206,000 archaeological pieces recovered during the expansion of Route F-20, specifically the section connecting Nogales and Puchuncaví.

The findings document more than 11,000 years of human occupation in the region, spanning from the Early Archaic period to historical eras. Notable discoveries include ceramic fragments, stone tools, projectile points, ornamental objects, and biological remains. One significant find is the remains of an individual dated between 9682 and 9320 BCE.

The exhibition also highlights 19 mortuary contexts, including a unique case where an adult was found partially positioned on a humpback whale rib, providing insight into ancient funerary practices. The collection includes evidence related to the Bato, Llolleo, and Aconcagua cultures.