The Archaeological Museum on the west side of the Plaza de Armas contains the largest collection of ancient stone sculptures in South America. Passing through the entry hall of temporary photographic and artistic exhibits, you come to an introductory selection of highland and coastal cultures and sites of various time periods, including models of Guitarrero Cave, where the oldest human evidence (10,000 B.C.) has been found, Cerro Sechín (near Casma) with its sculptural panels showing a bloody battle scene, and a replica of part of the great Castillo of Chavín (800-200 B.C.) with its famous Lanzón sculpture. From 200-700 A.D., the Recuay culture, known for its abundant stone sculptures and fine ceramics of white clay with red and black designs, extended throughout the sierra of Ancash from the Marañón River on the east to the Pacific coast on the west. Their coastal rivals were the militant Moche of Pañamarca. On the upper floor are thematic displays of pottery, textiles, metallurgy and other artifacts mainly from later periods, including the Wari, Chimu and Inca empires and the local cultures that they influenced. Going back downstairs to the lowest level, you'll see many sculptures of the Recuay culture, as well as the fine pottery and a scale model of the large tomb found at Jancu in 1969. Behind the museum is the beautiful sculpture park, where native trees, plants and ornamental flowers enliven the view. Most of the over 100 stone statues, lintels and tenoned heads adorned long-destroyed Recuay temple platforms and mortuary buildings.

by: Steve Wegner