Ancient ruler brought back to life using 3D printing

History just got a whole lot cooler, thanks to a discovery by scientists in Peru of an ancient female leader who died 1,700 years ago. Using 3D printing technology, scientists were able to reconstruct the face of Lady of Cao, who was discovered in the ruins of a pyramid near Trujillo in 2006.

Following the discovery of her mummified remains by a team of Peruvian archaeologists, a team of experts came together to work tirelessly for ten months to fully reconstruct her face. Using the latest 3D laser scanning and printing technology, forensic facial reconstruction, and photos of women from the area of El Brujo, the team was able to bring Lady of Cao back to life once again.

Lady of Cao’s mummified remains

To bring this project together, the El Brujo Archaeological Complex worked together with the Wiese Foundation and FARO Technologies, using her skull structure and other remains to bring together her oval shaped, high cheek boned face that we see today.

“We are privileged to announce this strange combination of the future and the past,” said Salvador del Solar, Peru’s minister of culture. “Technology has allowed us to see the face of a political and religious leader from a culture from the past.”

Thanks to 3D printing, they were able to recreate the face of this ancient leader

This latest discovery of a civilization who died more than 1,300 years ago is a huge milestone in the preservation and documentation of Peruvian history, as it offers a glimpse back in time for the people of Peru; with many items and weapons of that time being discovered as well. In addition, its helping to shed light on women as leaders, as a previous belief was that men were the only ones able to hold positions of power.

Peru’s Foreign Commerce and Tourism Minister Eduardo Ferreyros and Peru’s Minister of Culture Salvador del Solar, present a replica of The Lady of Cao’s face at the Ministry of Culture in Lima, Peru.

Although Lady of Cao’s life was cut short, which scientists believe was due to complications during childbirth, This latest finding is helping to piece together the history of the Peruvian people. Bringing them all closer through a shared connection of history.

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