El Museo Larco

There has long been a misconception in my head that sophistication and civilization were borne out of the mountains and plains of Europe. Boy, am I ever far off the mark! Our first day in Lima offered an in-depth look at the roots of life that were not planted by the Europeans but rather cultivated by them much later in time. I was reminded that the reality is that all ranges of intelligence and life were thriving across the globe. Specifically in Lima/Peru long before a Spaniard ever set foot in the Americas, and that blows my mind! El Museo Larco is a prime example of the testament of the Incan civilization (and other indigenous people of Peru before them) and their accomplishments. This was by far the most interesting part of the day for me, but then again, I do love history.
To me, there is something wonderful and awe-inspiring about witnessing and experiencing that collision of history with reality. All semester long I have learned about the Latin American city and its emergence and construction, and now I sit on the fringes of one of these mega-cities. I often have the misconception of hearing the word “Indians” or “natives” and interpreting it as a backward society that was no smarter than the rocks they built their homes with at the time. That picture is entirely off balance, and I adore being reminded of it.
Our first day in Lima we had visited the Museum Larco where thousands upon thousands of Incan artifacts reside for the public to experience a moment of history face to face. Statues, idols, pots and urns, masks, tapestry and mathematically-related knotted ropes adorned every wall. Delicate jewelry and ornamental decorations lie in pristine condition behind glass displays. I can not comprehend the mastery of their skills and their attention to detail. Their creativity is portrayed with such earnestness in each piece that it was impossible for me to not give attention to each one that I passed. There was a giant section of the building dedicated to storage of thousands of pots, and this painted pottery looks new because the colors are still so vibrant. Statues and masks have black holes for eyes that lure you in closer, and one cannot help but gaze into the depths of the blackness.
There is an intricate love and devotion that is given to this museum and its belongings to preserve that which Peru came to share with the world. A wonderful lesson for all to learn to learn from there. It is exciting to be able to live within the ancient history everyday so far in Lima.

Jillian Eisma: BA International Studies & Geography