Archaeologists have discovered an intact tomb near Peru's northern coast of a pre-Incan leader who lived 1,600 years ago, the group's lead scientist has aid.

The well-preserved tomb, which contained human remains, ceramics and jewelry, could help solve mysteries about Peru's ancient Moche Indian culture.

The findings were dug up in the province of Lambayeque, about 770 km north of Lima, where the Moche culture thrived between 100 BC and AD 600.

Achaeologists said the tomb, called Huaca del Pueblo, may be related to other important Moche ruins in the area, including the famed Lords of Sipan tomb that was discovered in the same area of Peru two decades ago.

Both sites include tombs built for prominent figures of the Moche civilisation, which is characterised by complex construction techniques and works of art.

Nobility

The team's findings include a body wearing gold-coloured copper funeral masks and wrapped in reed, as well as gold-coloured copper crowns, earrings, nose rings, necklaces of silver, seashells and technologically sophisticated objects made from copper.

The researchers also found remains of a young man nearby and animals thought to be alpacas or llamas.

The remains most likely belonged to nobility, Walter Alva, famed Peruvian archaeologist who discovered the Sipan site, said.

"Some elements like scepters and crowns of gold are those that identify people of the highest hierarchical level," he said.

Alva said part of the excavation is going to conclude in July, but the team hopes to resume work in December.