Museo Amano Lima, Peru-Six Thousand Years of Textile History

The Museum and Collections

Located in the fashionable district of Miraflores, Lima Peru, Museo Amano is a fascinating museum dedicated to the textile history of Pre-Columbian Peru. The items in the museum were collected over many years by the private business man, Yoshitaro Amano. The collection is now housed in Mr. Amano’s home.

The textile exhibits are arranged not only chronologically, but also by tribe or people who created the pieces. Many signs in English (as well as Spanish) not only describe the pieces on display, but also the overall development of textile creation, use of materials and features that distinguish one groups work from another, whether in motif or material. The source of fiber and colors for displayed pieces are also described in detail. Although the collection centers on pieces by the Chancay People, the collection also contains items from the Chavín, Paracas, Nasca, Mochica, Huari, Sihuas, Lambayeque, Chimú, Chuquibamba and Inca civilizations.

Ceremonial as well as everyday textile items are included in the displays. Incredibly, due to the dry climate of parts of Peru, a good number of ancient items retain much of their original colors. One item of particular note is an Incan Quipu. These items consisted of a series of knotted strings which were used extensively for record keeping purposes from commercial transactions to inventories to keeping census data. Unfortunately, during the Spanish period use of such items was suppressed and the ability to interpret the Quipus has been lost.
The museum also has an interesting gallery dedicated to pottery. In addition, the museum hosts art exhibits by more modern artists.

Visiting the Museum

At least 2 hours at a minimum should be set aside for visiting the museum. Depending on the start time of your tour day, this visit can be combined with a tour of Huaca Pucllana (see accompanying article) which is within a reasonable walking distance. The museum is located a mile or so from the Parque Kennedy near the main hotel area of Miraflores.

The Museo Amano is located at:
Calle Retiro 160
Miraflores
Lima, Perú.
(Off the eleventh quadrant block of Avenida. Angamos Oeste)

The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed certain holidays).
The general admission is 30 soles (about 10 US Dollars) with reduced prices for seniors and students. Guided tours for an extra fee per group are available.