The first exhibition of Inca gold in 30 years has opened at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts.
The first exhibition of Inca gold in 30 years has opened at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts.
On display are items from the collection of the Gold Museum of Peru in Lima that have the status of the national treasure. The museum, which was originally Miguel Mujica Gallo’s private collection, expanded in the last century.
At first he collected only ancient weapons, but later became interested in artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures that miraculously survived after the Spanish conquest.
Chronologically, the exposition covers a vast period – from the first millennium BC to the 16th century AD.
The exhibition features not only Inca gold, but also gold of their predecessors – the Chavin, Wari, Moche and Nazca, and other Peruvian cultures.
One of the most impressive groups of exhibits are women’s headwear, and large necklaces, demonstrated in detail on mannequins.
Ritual objects include wineglasses and bowls depicting totem animals – jaguars, panthers, condors, snakes and frogs.
The exhibition also features gold decorations worn by the Indians – including tsars’ headwear, intricate pendants and plates, decorations for the nose and ears and tumi ceremonial knives.
