A female mummy discovered in South America more than 100 years ago was likely killed during a ritual sacrifice, according to new research.

The previously unidentified mummy, who was in her early 20s at time of death, was presumably killed by a blunt blow to the head, BBC News reported via PLOS ONE. While scientists can't be sure, her death may have been part of an Incan ritual.

"We assumed she died in a ritual killing but we have no clear evidence from written sources," explained study co-author Andreas Nerlich.

"Present-day techniques offer such a wealth of information that we can reconstruct various aspects of past lives, diseases and death," he said.

A team of researchers analyzed the mummy's skull and DNA for some interesting findings. According to their analysis, she had a parasitic infection that likely would have killed her if she had managed to escape being a ritual sacrifice.

Called Chagas disease, the deadly infection indicates that the woman probably came from a poor family.

"The parasite lives in mud-brick walls typical of those from lower social classes, not in stone houses or better equipped, cleaner surroundings," Nerlich told BBC News.

The mummy lived around 500 years ago, the DNA analysis revealed. A Bavarian princess reportedly brought her to Germany after an 1898 expedition to South America.

Due to an analysis of the mummy's bones and hair that revealed a fish-heavy diet, researchers conjecture that she lived near the Peruvian or Northern Chilean coastline, BBC News reported.

Her skull is "typical of the Inca people," and the rope that ties her well-preserved braids of hair is made of South American materials.

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