The ancient cultures of Peru deserve to be mentioned often. After all, besides their buildings and works of art, they have left us many things that we still use today. The Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú is, as the name suggests, dedicated to the collection, exhibition and study of archaeology, anthropology and history of Peru. Of course, this begins with the ancient cultures mentioned, but it also includes colonisation and republican times.
Exhibition of the Museum
The museum is located at the Plaza Bolivar in a colonial building. This is exactly the right place for it, because studies of architecture belong to the research of a culture, but otherwise can be realized in a museum only to a small extent.
The building has a courtyard surrounded by a gallery of columns and round arches. Through the large windows of the gallery a lot of light flows into the exhibition rooms.
The collection begins with stone sculptures, vessels, axes and knives showing the activity of the early peoples as hunters and collectors. Skulls and mummified human heads bear witness to the early settlement of Peru.
The ceramics department contains pieces of the Nazca, Inka, Paracas and Moche, among others. Often the objects from the time before the Incas are simply called “pre-inca”.
An indication of the importance of Inca culture compared to other cultures. In this museum it can be clearly seen that the objects are in no way inferior to those of the Incas. Besides stone and ceramics, metals were a popular material. The processing of copper, gold and silver dates back a long time.
The museum houses pieces, some of which are 14,000 years old, including silver drinking vessels, gold jewellery and statues. Musical instruments also played an important role in the traditions of ancient cultures. Not to forget the section of the museum dedicated to textiles. After the visitors have left the pre-Hispanic (made before the arrival of the Spanish) exhibits behind, the arts and crafts and the decorative arts of the colonial and republican periods are on the agenda. Among them are paintings and sculptures depicting both biblical and social scenes.
Highlights of the museum
Most museums have some objects that are considered highlights. In the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú this is, among other things, the replica of the famous Inca city Machu Picchu.
Another highlight is the Raimondi stele, a monolith from the Chavin culture. It is also known for its discovery. The Italian researcher Antonio Raimondi discovered the stele in 1869 in a private house and immediately recognized its value. However, a farmer had found it twenty years earlier in his field.
A bas-relief is worked into the polished granite surface, which probably represents a Peruvian deity. In addition to the permanently exhibited exhibits, the museum also organises a number of thematically different special exhibitions. The Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú is really a must for every traveller who is interested in the history and culture of Peru.
National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru
Adresse:
Plaza Bolivar, Pueblo Libre
Website
