Peruvian Treasures & Moche Mysteries

Dr. Merbs, a long time customer and a friend of Aaron Elkins, writes: "I give this presentation in a Peruvian archaeology course at ASU whenever the course is taught (about every three semesters) but this would be the first time I add a section on my interpretation of the giants of Dos Cabezas.  My interpretation is very different than those presented by other researchers. 

It took a number of elements to come together, and one was in a private collection in Pacasmayo.  An elderly woman with a beautiful home on the Malacon had an amazing collection of her own.  I think her ancestry goes back to one of Pizarro’s officers who was give a large land holding in the area.  What she has was found on her vast property over the centuries, or purchased from others who found them elsewhere.  Among her treasures is a pot for which I lust.  Presently I must settle for pictures (which are included in my presentation).  The design is in relief rather than painted and appears to be early Moche.  Encircling the pot is a line dividing the upper world from the lower world with skeletal beings.  There is a break in the line (a hole between the two worlds) and an individual is represented in the hole, being pulled down into the underworld.  Her collection also includes many drawers of small objects, including a beautiful copper tumi that served as a clue to understanding the giants.

Barbara and Rob visited the Poli Collectioin and have a book with its treasures to show as well as info about the Larco Herrera Museum, the Gold Museum, and possibly the Amana Collection (famous for its textiles). Peru has many private collections of incredible richness. Rob may have some photos of the superb pottery in a bank museum in Manta, Ecuador, too.