Archaeologists thrilled as 'eye-opening' Peru artefacts expose 'extraordinary' secret past

“They’ll discover the story of how these ancient Peruvian societies had unique approaches to economy, gender, agriculture, power and beliefs, and how they thrived against the odds right up until the Inca conquest by the Spanish.

“It will be eye-opening, and will challenge common Western assumptions about how societies are constructed.”

The loaned artefacts, many of which have never travelled to the UK before, are put on display alongside the British Museum’s own collection of about 80 other pieces.

It is the first time the British Museum has staged a major exhibition on the South American country and it coincides with the 200th anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain.

Among the more unique items in the collection is an intricately decorated Nasca ceremonial drum dated between 100 BC and 650 AD.

source: express.co.uk