The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is currently the only U.S. location to host the traveling exhibit, Peru: Kingdoms of the Sun and the Moon, a collection of rare artifacts and art from ancient Peru and the 16th century.
A walk through this exhibit will take you through the transition of Peruvian cultures, from Mochica and Chimu to, the most recognizable of the three, the Incan culture, of which the Inca were the royalty of the Quechua people. Fascinating artifacts like bowls and vases depict funerary processions for royalty while funerary headdresses are showcased in full golden glory. Many of these artifacts are rarely, if ever, shared outside of Peru and are from 100 to 800 AD. Very understandable considering that Hiram Bingham, the explorer who put Machu Picchu on the map, had collected thousands of artifacts from the site creating tension between Yale University and Peruvian officials until the artifacts were returned just a few years ago.
The exhibit also features art from the 16th century following the invasion of the Spanish and the construction of amazing Christian cathedrals in both Cusco and Lima, Peru. Ironically, Francisco Pizarro and the Spanish used the very stones, gold and precious metals that were used to construct Incan temples to build Christian sites in this new world. Similar to architecture in Peru, the art is blended as well. In paintings of The Last Supper, Christ and his disciples share a plate of Cuy, guinea pig.
A SAM employee giving tours of the exhibit shared that the Jesuits often combined imagery as a sort of marketing plan for Christianity in Peru. According to the guide, Jesuits combined holy ceremonies with Incan celebrations, styled Saints in a similar fashion as Incan Gods during religious parades and even portrayed the Virgin Mary like Pachamama, the earth mother of the Quechua people, in paintings and art.
I highly recommend this exhibit to learn more about the amazing cultures that made Peru so tempting to Spanish explorers. The artifacts are some of the best in the world and the paintings from the 16th century are incredibly fascinating because of the combination of Incan and Spanish influence in creating a Christian society.
Tickets for this exhibit are available until January 5, 2016 for $19.50 per adult non-member of the SAM.
Happy travels,
@laurylkitson