THE HANDLING OF THE REMAINS OF THE ANCESTORS IN PERU: Realities, Challenges, and Wishes

Lombardi G.P.; Buitrón R.; Tepo L.; Valladolid C.; Bravo B.; Arce S.; Torres E.; Guillén S.; Biers T. · The Routledge Handbook of Museums, Heritage, and Death (2023) · DOI: 10.4324/9781003195870-7

Resumen

This chapter focuses on the current state of ancient Peruvian remains’ handling in contemporary collections, and aims at providing theoretical tools for developing a national policy towards appropriate curation, based on our historical heritage and on local resources. Due to climatic reasons, Peru is one of the richest countries for observing and studying ancient human remains. Ranging from naturally dehydrated to frozen mummies and skeletons to shrunken heads, these remains are seen as ancestors who deserve respect and provide a direct connection to the past, enhancing identity and pride, particularly in small, remote, and neglected villages. Variety is also prevalent as to their curation: From state-of-the-art climatised facilities in large cities to hundreds of bleached bones scattered on the desert at nationally protected, but remote archaeological sites, it is evident that the remains of many ancestral Peruvians still lack appropriate handling. The dead were part of the living in the Andes; particularly founders of lineages and rulers had their bodies preserved so that they participated in festivities and gatherings for centuries after death. Display and worship of ancestral mummies or skeletal parts was forbidden by the conquistadors, but survived. Respecting ancestral body-preserving traditions, bridging them with modern education and curatorial skills should become the norm in the region.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia