![An expert works to uncover one of the 20 wooden sculptures which were recently discovered at the ancient archaeological site of Chan Chan, in the outskirts of the northern city of Trujillo, in Peru, on October 22, 2018, - The unique sculptures found in niches are fixed to the ground measuring an average of 70 centimeters and representing different characters. (Photo by CRIS BOURONCLE / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by CRIS BOURONCLE has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [20] instead of [19]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Photo credit should read CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP/Getty Images)](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/181023153544-chan-chan-statues-1.jpg?q=x_5,y_251,h_2767,w_4917,c_crop/w_850)
![An expert works to uncover one of the 20 wooden sculptures which were recently discovered at the ancient archaeological site of Chan Chan, in the outskirts of the northern city of Trujillo, in Peru, on October 22, 2018, - The unique sculptures found in niches are fixed to the ground measuring an average of 70 centimeters and representing different characters. (Photo by CRIS BOURONCLE / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by CRIS BOURONCLE has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [20] instead of [19]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Photo credit should read CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP/Getty Images)](https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/181023153544-chan-chan-statues-1.jpg?q=x_5,y_251,h_2767,w_4917,c_crop/w_250)
Peru is known as a destination for archaeological marvels: from the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to the country’s incredible pre-Incan ruins.
On Monday, Peru’s Minister of Culture, Patricia Balbuena, announced that a new set of Peruvian treasures were unearthed – 19 sculptures and a complex adobe wall.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture confirmed to CNN that 20 sculptures were found, but one was destroyed.
Researchers believe the statues were buried approximately 750 years ago at the Chan Chan citadel in northern Peru.
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture says each sculpture carries a scepter in one of their hands and also holds what’s possibly a shield. The 70-cm-tall sculptures are made from wood, with clay masks.
The Chan Chan site was once the largest citadel in pre-Columbian America. It’s part of UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in danger – it’s currently being excavated by Peruvian archaeologists.