Everyday reality reflected in the portrayal of myth Many of the scenes which appear to portray moments of everyday life actually represent fragments of events which took place at the dawn of creation, or ceremonies re-enacting such events. Nevertheless, given that myths are constructed by utilising and transforming the most disparate elements of the real world, even the mythical scenes of the exhibits on display provide us with precious information about the pre-Hispanic societies.




Model with scene of funerary ritual
Chimú culture, 900-1470 AD
Wood and mother-of-pearl, l. 48 cm
PHLL 35015