Today we explored the MAAM here in Salta. In 1999 a National Geographic mission went up to the top of a mountain 200 miles west of here, to recover three frozen mummified children, and the artifacts left with them. They were placed on the extinct volcano (over 6000 feet above sea level) over 500 years ago, as Incan offerings to the gods. In a cool, dimly lit room, designed to preserve them, we saw some of the items left with the children: sandals, textiles, pottery vessels, food, and small figures made of gold, silver and seashells. Only one child is on exhibit at one time, in a special -20 degree case within a case, and today it was the six year old girl. It was a pretty incredible experience.Photo of the Cabildo (town hall) in Salta by vtveen (Flickr Creative Commons)
