TREPHINED SKULLS 



^ 



the north toward the south of South America, then up into the interior of 

 the continent. In the wall cases extending across the entire western end 

 of the hall will be Pound a remarkable collection from Nazca, Peru. The 

 prehistoric people of Nazca excelled as colorists, particularly in the decora- 

 tion of their pottery vessels which are certainly the most beautiful so far 

 discovered in South America. 



The special exhibits in the gallery rail cases include quipus used to 



Trephined 

 Skulls 



AN EXAMPLE OF NAZCA POTTERY 



keep accounts, charms and medicines, coca which was chewed with lime, 

 and shells that were found in mummy-bundles and in the graves. A num- 

 ber of the chicha jars are on exhibition on top of the cases. 



In the first case to the left (south side) is a collection of skulls showing 



many examples of trephining, artificial deformation and 



pathological conditions, together with a number of normal 



Peruvian skulls for comparison. 

 The wall case at the left of the entrance contains mummy bundles and 

 various objects showing the burial customs of the Peruvians. In no part 



of America are found so many and so extensive burial places 

 Bundles as * n ^ e coast re gi° n °f Peru. Here were interred countless 



thousands of the ancient dead. In the huacos or graves, 

 with the bodies, were placed such articles as had been most useful and 

 highly prized during life, and such as it was considered would be most 

 serviceable in a future life. 



To this custom we are indebted for no small part of our knowledge, of 

 the daily life of the ancient Peruvians. From the mummy bundles and 



