Lima, Oct 8 (IANS/EFE): Archaeologists in Peru have discovered important remains in the major Inca administrative centre of Hatun Xauxa, south of the city of Jauja, in the central Andean region of Junin, the country's culture ministry reported.

The find was made by experts from the ministry and is related to the study of the so-called "well of liquid offerings" in the "ushnu" platform or sacred throne, where the Incas poured maize liquor and other products as part of ceremonial activities, an official statement said.

The discovery also includes a human burial site believed to be an offering related to the foundation of Hatun Xauxa, as well as ancient walls with traces of red paint at the northern end of the "ushnu" which could belong to the first period of its construction.

"These findings allow us to gauge the religious importance and the complex nature of activities in the ushnu of Hatun Xauxa, reflected also in the constant changes in its architecture," the ministry added.

Evidence dating back to the colonial period shows that Hatun Xauxa was a ceremonial centre dedicated to the worship of divinities such as Macahuisa, son of Pariacaca, the Inca deity of water and rain.

The findings will enable comparative studies with the Huanuco Pampa site, an important administrative centre related to the Qhapaq Ñan Inca road system, where another well of offerings and associated burial grounds were discovered.

Archaeologists at Hatun Xauxa hope to end field work soon and have taken the necessary steps to preserve the remains, the statement added.