Huaqueros, or the scourge of Peru's ancient grave sites

When it comes to the pillaging and loss of cultural heritage, the Middle East is currently top of mind given recent events in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Yemen. However, destruction and looting of historical sites remains a problem the world over, and especially in those places where the rule of law is more shaky.

One such country is Peru, which has an incredibly diverse historical legacy, ranging from the City of Cuzco,  to the lines and geoglyphs of Nasca. Yet it also suffers from corruption and endemic poverty among large segments of the population. Combined with the demand for pre-Columbian artefacts on the international market, these factors have created permissive conditions for the pillage of sites like this ancient cemetery near the Pan-American Highway south of Lima.

Looted ancient cemetery in coastal Peru

A stone's throw from the highway the desert sand was pockmarked with pits. Skulls, bones, rotting fabric and clay pots were strewn everywhere. Visiting the site, one could not but wonder what would drive someone to show such a lack of respect for the deceased, whether they died ten years ago or a thousand. Sadly, huaqueros - as those who specialize in looting forgotten graves or burial sites are known - continue to operate throughout Peru.