The tomb of an ancient healer has been discovered by a team of archaeologists in the South American country of Peru.

Peru is perhaps best known for the ancient city of Machu Pichu, however the country has an ancient history which extends beyond the Mayan culture.

The latest discovery was made at the La Pava de Mochumi complex in the Lambayeque region. Experts believe that the tomb belongs to a curandero, a form of folk healer, who was buried over 800 years ago.

Reports in the local El Comercio newspaper suggest that archaeologists were first alerted about the tomb when they discovered a collection of nectarine seeds nearby. It is thought that the healer was buried with up to 500 of the seeds, which were said to have aphrodisiac qualities.

Other artefacts uncovered near the tomb include a ceramic vase, a fan-shaped shell for smoking, a wooden staff and textiles.

En Peru reports that the curandero tradition still continues in the Muchik coastal area of La Libertad and Lambayeque.