FERRENAFE: Archaeologists said they have unearthed 22 graves in northern Peru containing a trove of pre-Inca artifacts, including the first ‘tumi’ ceremonial knives ever discovered by archaeologists rather than looted by thieves.

The find, which prominent archaeologist Walter Alva called “overwhelmingly important,” means that scientists can study the tumi — Peru’s national symbol — in its original setting to learn about the context in which it was used. The tombs, more than 900 years old, are from the Sican culture.