 |
| The gardens were quite spectacular |
We returned to Lima with time to visit an impressive private museum, the Larco museum with is a privately owned collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian archaeological artifacts dating back 5,000 years, an impressive display of pre-Columbian history. we had a very knowledgeable guide who is part of the Lindblad-National Geographic team.
 |
These were all burial items. Bottom L is a silver sacrificial cup and knife. Warriors throats were cut and their blood collected in ceremonial cup to be offered to the priests.
|
 |
| Bottom image shows the intricate patterning on the urn above. |
 |
| Quipus |
These are quipus which were used for record keeping and sending messages by runners throughout the Incan empire. The word quipu comes from the Quechua word for 'knot'. A quipu usually consisted of colored, spun and plied thread or strings from llama hair.
We were fortunate to be be taken into one of the storage areas where thousands of artifacts were stored. Cabinets lined the walls telling the story of an extremely sophisticated culture. There was also an annex of erotic artifacts.
 |
| I will leave you to read the descriptive sign at the entrance |
The evening ended with a meal in the museum restaurant. It had been a thoroughly immersive and intriguing few hours. We fell into bed replete and thoroughly exhausted, our heads stuffed full to bursting with new and wonderful knowledge and images. Early the next morning we were to fly south to Colca Canyon to see the condors fly. South America! What a fascinating continent of extremes.
No comments:
Post a Comment