America

The America collection brings together more than 40,000 works, presenting a panorama of the different civilizations that developed from Alaska in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south over a period of 5,000 years. The Museum’s rich collections provide a picture of this multiplicity and offer visitors a broad survey of the pre-Columbian civilizations.

In addition to items from well-known cultures such as the Maya, the Aztec, and the Inca, the collection also includes works that demonstrate the mastery and expertise of anonymous artists from less familiar societies. Furthermore, the variety of materials on which these true masterpieces were created shows the skill with which these artists handled gold, clay, wood, stone, and textiles.

Renovated galleries

In the nine renovated galleries dedicated to the ancient cultural expressions of the indigenous peoples of Central and South America (officially opened on 12.10.2024), the geographical, cultural, and chronological overview has been retained as the main focus and updated with new objects and information on various themes such as the ball game, rituals and sacrifices, Mayan writing, the Aztec calendar, and Moche vases.

After a two-year absence for renovation, the figurine that inspired the Tintin album The Broken Ear is back on display, as is the mummy that served as the model for Hergé’s character Rascar Capac in The Seven Crystal Balls. The mummy is now exhibited alongside the grave goods with which it was discovered. The new display also includes objects from the recent bequest of the Dutch couple Heggen-Van der Giessen. Among the other masterpieces on view are the oldest Inuit kayak in the world, a life-size terracotta seated figure from El Zapotal in Mexico, Mochica ceramics from Peru, and much more.

Contact

• Serge Lemaitre: s.lemaitre@kmkg-mrah.be