Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, a native Incan, completes his 1,200-page work, Tkc FirstNew Chronicle and Good Government, illustrated with 400 pen-and-ink drawings of Incan and colonial life. He addresses the work to King Philip HI of Spain, hoping to seek reform of Spanish colonial governance in order to save the Andean peoples from the destructive forces of colonialism.
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The CULTURES OF THE Aztecs, Incas, and Maya may have disappeared, but the wealth of relics and ruins left behind reveal much about these ancient peoples and their times. If you are able to visit Central or South America, you can explore the sites of these once-thriving cities and follow in the footsteps of the people who lived there. But there are plenty of other ways to learn more about these cultures.
Find out more
ENJOY A TREAT TO EAT
If you are hungry to learn more about the cultures you have read about in this book, try a taste of traditional Central and South American cuisine. Many restaurants feature foods based on the same staples—corn, squash, and beans—that fed the Aztecs, Incas, and Maya. Try your hand at cooking a traditional dish, such as tacos.
The Internet offers virtual tours of places such as ancient temples and sacred cities.
Many museums contain excellent collections from these areas.
Places to Visit
AZTEC DANCERS
Traditional Aztec dance troupes wear vivid costumes lavished with gold and silver embroidery and elaborate feather headdresses. These dancers are performing at a Native American heritage festival in the United States. Check listings or the Internet to find out if any traditional dance troupes are making an international tour.
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METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OE ART,
NEW YORK, NY
The museum's collection from the ancient Americas spans a 3,500 year period. It includes the world's most comprehensive collection of American gold.
THE PHILADELPHIA MUSUM OF ART, PHILADELPHIA, PA
Pre-Columbian objects, including two large Aztec structures, comprise some of oldest objects in the museum's collection.
THE'FIEED museum, CHICAGO, IE
The Ancient Americas exhibit takes visitors on a
Journey through 13,000 years of human achievement.
DENVER ART MUSEUM, DENVER, CO The Pre-Columbian art collection represents nearly every major culture in Mesoamerica, with a particular emphasis on Mayan ceramics.
ST. LOUIS ART MUSEUM, ST. LOUIS, MO The Pre-Columbian collection contains works of art from peoples of traditional Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya, Mixtecs, Aztecs, and Incas.
MUSEO NACIONAE DE ANTROPOEOGIA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO This museum contains possibly the world's greatest collection of objects related to the Maya.
Its interactive kiosks tell the stories behind some 500 important objects on display.
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VISIT A MUSEUM
Many art and anthropology museums feature important works from the Aztec, Incan, and Mayan civilizations. A museum collection might include examples of textiles, pottery, metalwork, featherwork, basketry, and artifacts crafted from precious stones.
Check with travel books or use the Internet to find the best permanent collections (some of which are listed in the box, top right). Also look out for travelling exhibitions from museums in Central and South America.
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TRAVEL TO ANCIENT SITES
Exploring the lands of the Aztecs, Incas, or Maya can be an awe-inspiring experience. These tourists are climbing a pyramid in Mexico. Use the Internet to find sites open to visitors. Joining a group tour may give you access to more sites, as well as a valuable commentary from tour guides.
World History
