Exhibition makes mythical connections

Heavy metal masks

In the second section, the Andean civilization is introduced mainly through its metal vessel-making techniques. A gilt-copper mask on display, unearthed from the Royal Tombs of Sipan in Peru, is the masterpiece that showcases this achievement. Its facial features are clear and lifelike, showing the craftspeople's mastery of human expression.

Such masks were often placed on the faces of tomb owners or appeared in groups as accompanying burial artifacts. In Andean belief, masks held a protective function: they guarded the soul of the deceased and helped the dead gain their identity in the underworld, says Zhao Yazhuo, also a curator of the exhibition, adding that the mask is highly similar to the jade and metal masks found in ancient Chinese tombs.

The 72 artifacts from the Royal Tombs of Sipan are highlighted in the display, with more than 80 percent making their debut in China. More than half have never been showcased in Peru.

The royal tombs were discovered first in 1987, when some were looted. Then archaeologist Walter Alva carried out rescue excavations of the tombs with a team and discovered the giant tomb group, where the king of the Moche culture (an ancient Peruvian culture from 100 to 850) was buried. Its high level of preservation is often compared to that of the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt.

"People in Peru's northern coastal region overcame the desert through engineered irrigation systems, giving rise to a unique civilization. The Moche culture, in particular, stands as an outstanding example," says Alva. "I believe this exhibition enables China, a country that also has a long history, to understand Peru's past and appreciate the best examples of its artistic creativity."

The exhibition also traces a lesser-known historical connection that linked the Andes to China through the global silver trade. Since the 16th century, when the Inca Empire (about 1400-1532) of Andean civilization gradually declined, Spanish colonizers exploited local silver in enormous quantities, which then traveled all the way to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) China through maritime trade.

The Ming economy, Zhao explains, faced a silver shortage for use as currency. "The paper currency issued in the early Ming Dynasty had lost significant value, and there was also a shortage of bronze coins. Thus, the public had an earnest demand for a stable, reliable currency. The import of silver from Americas filled that gap.

"In this way, the remote Chinese and Andean civilizations were truly connected at that time, all becoming part of the entire world history," she adds.

Animal instincts

While the first two sections focus on human creations, the final section turns the spotlight on animals in Americas, introducing their bond with human society.

Wei Yi, curator of the last section, says that in Mesoamerica, people believed each individual had a guardian spirit animal and was endowed with the spirit and character of their protective animal. For example, if someone's guarding spirit is a jaguar, then the person likely has strength and courage. If one is protected by a monkey, then they may be elegantly flexible with artistic talent.

An object on display directly illustrates this belief: a soldier's figurine in jaguar attire, found in western Mexico and dating from approximately 100 BC to AD 400. The soldier wears a jaguar skin as a garment, and his posture is aggressive and powerful. The meaning is clear: by dressing as the jaguar, the soldier would gain the animal's strength and fighting skills, ensuring victory in battle.

"Ancient people in Mesoamerica understood the relationship between people and animals in this way, deeply integrating animals in their lives and social culture," says Wei.

"Following this belief, visitors can find out their own guardian animal when touring the display," he adds.