Giuseppe Orefici, a renowned archaeologist from Brescia, passed away on June 27 at his home in Brescia, surrounded by his wife Elvina and daughter Sarah. At the age of 79, he fought valiantly against a debilitating illness. Having returned from Peru in January after what he knew would be his final excavation in the area of Cahuachi, Orefici dedicated a significant part of his life to archaeology in South America, making substantial contributions to the understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations.
With a career marked by successes and international recognition, including the Brescianity Award in 2011, Orefici transformed Cahuachi into one of the most important archaeological sites on the continent. He discovered and cataloged numerous artifacts dating back thousands of years, uncovering the history of a civilization that predates the Incas. His passion for archaeology also led to prestigious exhibitions and collaborations with industry experts, leaving a cultural legacy that will continue to influence future generations.
