Born: 1973 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Biography:
María Constanza Ceruti, born on January 11, 1973, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is an anthropologist and mountaineer. She has made significant contributions to the field of anthropology, particularly in high-altitude archaeology and the study of sacred mountains worldwide.
Ceruti’s passion for exploration and anthropology began at a young age. After completing her secondary education, she enrolled at the University of Buenos Aires, where she graduated with a degree in anthropology in 1996. Her exceptional academic performance earned her the university’s Gold Medal.
In 2001, Ceruti achieved another milestone in her career by becoming the first person to specialize in high-altitude archaeology, earning her doctorate cum laude at the National University of Cuyo. This groundbreaking research field led her to explore the Inca ceremonial centers located on the summits of Andean peaks above 6,000 meters. As a result, she became known as the world’s first female specialist in high-altitude archaeology.
Throughout her career, Ceruti has embarked on more than 80 field surveys, with a majority of them conducted as part of National Geographic teams. Her expertise has taken her to various Andean regions in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. Notably, her most important finding to date is the discovery of the Children of Llullaillaco, mummies that are considered the best-preserved in the world, as recognized by the Guinness World Records.
In addition to her work in South America, Ceruti has expanded her research to include sacred mountains and religious practices worldwide. She has conducted extensive studies on hundreds of sacred mountains, exploring their significance in religion, mythology, folklore, identity, and tourism. Her research has taken her to Nepal Himalayas, India, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Norway, Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, England, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, and Chile.
Ceruti’s contributions have had a significant impact on various areas of research. She has pioneered the emerging field of glacial archaeology and has shed light on the connection between sacred mountains and cultural practices worldwide. Her exploration of previously unexplored sites and her meticulous excavations have provided valuable insights into ancient civilizations and their interactions with mountainous landscapes.
Apart from her scientific research, Ceruti is a Professor of Inca Archaeology at the Catholic University of Salta (UCASAL). She is also the founder and pro bono director of the Institute of High Mountain Research, which is affiliated with UCASAL. Additionally, she serves as a scientific researcher in the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) of Argentina.
Ceruti’s pioneering work as a female anthropologist and mountaineer has paved the way for future generations. Her achievements in high-altitude archaeology and the exploration of sacred mountains have not only expanded our knowledge of ancient civilizations but also contributed to the understanding of the cultural, religious, and environmental significance of these landscapes.
Awards:
– Guinness World Record for the discovery of the best-preserved mummies in the world, the Children of Llullaillaco.