Most of the great works of art made in Central and South America before the voyage of Columbus have been found in tombs. Enormous amounts of time, energy, and materials were spent to properly equip the societies' leaders and the elite for their journey from this earth.

Maskette	Effigy Vessel

Large, spectacular textiles woven in sophisticated techniques were made in ancient Peru. Colorful mantles and ponchos were treasured as emblems of high rank in society. Due to the ideal cool and dry climactic conditions of coastal Peru, these textiles have survived almost intact for thousands of years.

Miniature Poncho	Tunic

Precolumbian cultures viewed the world as a multilayered universe with various divisions, attended by numerous deities whose activities and relationships metaphorically expressed the forces of nature and the cosmos. Death was considered a transition and journey from one realm of existence to another. The elaborate preparation and offerings associated with burying the dead reflect the importance of equipping one's soul for this transition to life in the next world.

Tripod Vessel	Embracing Couple
Kneeling Female Effigy Figure	Palma with Maize God Receiving a Human Sacrifice