Room 3 - Introduction to the Lord of Tucume
Tucume was the most important archaeological center in the Lambayeque region.
In addition to being the center of political and religious power, it was
linked to extensive long-distance trade. Through this trade, they obtained
resources such as spondylus or feathers that were used by their artisans to
make fine objects that served as offerings.
During the Inca period, Tucume was the center where various nobles resided. In
this room you can learn about the discovery of the great lord of Tucume and
certain characteristics of this period such as artisan techniques and local
stories highlighted from the iconography recovered in vases, murals and
textiles.
Many of these traditions have been recovered, a thousand years later, by the
current community of Tucume. The current artisanal production of the area,
which is mostly made by women, is now one of the most recognized activities of
the town because it has allowed them not only a job opportunity, but also the
recognition of the local and national community, being our representatives in
the different national and international craft fairs and exhibitions. In
effect, this is a craft with identity based on scientific knowledge, which
proudly promotes and disseminates our own as a result of the social
appropriation of heritage with a view to sustainable development.
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Our history
Tucume was the most important archaeological center in the region
between the year 100 CE until the arrival of the Incas in 1470 and the
Spanish conquest in 1533. Here a Lambayecan dynasty ruled, subject to
Cusco, as “privileged Incas”, whose names appear in the legend of
Naymlap.
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The objects from this period are, therefore, very refined, in keeping
with the high level of the nobles who resided in this urban center.
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Inca conquest of Tucume
When the Incas arrived, Huaca Larga was the most important political and
religious centre in the region, so the conquerors from Cusco decided to
establish their centre of power on the top of the building.
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The Incas built stone enclosures here on top of the previous
buildings, reusing the large courtyards and other areas built during
the Lambayeque and Chimú periods.
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On the central platform, on top of the Chimú Mythical Bird Temple,
they built a Temple where 22 funerary bundles have been recovered, one
of them corresponding to the burial of the last lord of Tucume,
accompanied by 2 men and 19 women.
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Ear ornaments (Orejeras)
Ear ornaments are one of the most characteristic ornaments of the people
linked to the elite of the Andean world.
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Their designs and the materials used to make them indicate the
relationship they had with some elements of nature, as well as the
exchange relationships that may have existed between the different
regions of the Andean world.
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The ear ornaments found in Tucume present fine mosaic work with
prestigious elements such as mother-of-pearl, sodalite, turquoise and
Spondylus.
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The Lord of Tucume in the Inca Empire
The most important élite burial context of Tucume belongs to one of the
last governors before the arrival of the Spaniards.
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Inca offerings in Tucume
Such was the importance of Tucume that the Inca conquerors reused its
temples to deposit offerings such as the five statuettes made of silver
or Spondylus shell, dressed in wool or cotton blankets and multicoloured
feather headdresses, representing men and women.
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Associated with the 19 women were found ear ornaments carved from
carob wood with mother-of-pearl inlays, textile tools and personal
implements.
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Associated with the lord of Tucume, pyrographed gourds with
mother-of-pearl inlays, fine and domestic pottery, as well as wooden
utensils such as spoons and plates were found; while in the fill that
covered his burial pit, precious spoons carved from camelid bone with
zoomorphic and geometric representations were found.
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Statue made out of silver
Miniature figurine made of silver and covered with fabrics made of plant
fibers.
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On the head there is a headdress of macaw feathers, a bird from the
jungle.
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They were made in Cusco and distributed to the most powerful sites of
the Tawantinsuyu.
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In Tucume, 5 have been found, three of spondylus and two of silver.
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Our History
From the times of the hunters and gatherers to our days, almost 10.000
years have gone by.
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We are the lucky heirs of this ancient history; we have formed it in
this place, making use of our environment, constructing magnificent
buildings, sharing knowledge with other regions, and learning from our
experience.
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Much of this rich cultural heritage is alive and gives us the strength
to shape a promising future with identity and respect for others. We
are all heritage!
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See also
Sources
Location
