THE PERUVIANS 



87 



Southwest Wing 

 INDIANS OF SOUTH AMERICA 



Passing through the west corridor, where the exhibit of the Depart- 

 ment of Public Health is installed, and on into the adjoining hall to the 

 west, we find the collections from South America. The greater part of 

 Indians of the hall is filled with archaeological material illustrating the 

 South various forms of culture existing in Colombia, Ecuador, 



America Peru, Bolivia and Chile, in prehistoric times. The remains 



found in Peru, in parts of Central America and in Mexico show a degree 

 of culture far in advance of that attained in any other part of this con- 



PIECES OF CLOTH FOUND WITH PERUVIAN MUMMIES 



The prehistoric Peruvians were familiar with modern weaves, including the finest 

 gobelins, and produced highly decorative effects by harmonized colors and a repetition 

 of woven-in designs. The Museum's collection of mummy cloths is one of the largest 

 in the world, and is much used by teachers and students of art. 



