Thor Heyerdahl, explorer, anthropologist and adventurer, is well-known for his daring expedition around the globe. Almost half a century ago he risked his life sailing from Peru to Polynesia on a balsa raft, the story immortalized in his book "The Kon-Tiki Expedition" (1948). Since then similar voyages have taken him across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and the most remote corners of the world, in a lifelong quest for knowledge, adventure and excitement. In recent years his travels have led him back to Peru, where he learned of the colossal pre-Columbian site of Tucume, containing 26 pyramids. Who had built these pyramids, and when? What discoveries lay in store for the investigator wishing to probe their mysteries? Heyerdhal set up camp, and in this narrative describes his experiences and the ambitious programme of excavations his team undertook. Numerous burials have been uncovered, revealing grave goods, including Inca silver figurines and featherwork textiles. They discovered a mud-plaster frieze depicting reed boats of exactly the type Hererdahl had foreseen. This, together with lapis lazuli from Chile and shells from Ecuador and Panama, provided confirmation that the people of Tucume were experienced voyagers who traded over long distances. This book is a first-hand account of Hererdahl's discoveries. Weaving together archaeology, myth and history with portraits of the present-day community, it should be of interest to travellers, archaeologists, anthropologists annd adventure-lovers.
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The Peruvian site of Tucume encompasses an amazing 26 pyramids, but it went largely unrecognized until Heyerdahl's interest was ignited in 1988. The resulting archaeological activity is recorded here by Heyerdahl and his coauthors in a straightforward account of excavations undertaken by their team. One of them steps in to interpret the cultural significance of their findings; another looks at the greater implications of the architectural site, the fascinating pyramid structures, and impressive artifacts uncovered. The most exciting discoveries are linked to Heyerdahl's inquiry regarding possible ocean travel and boatbuilding by early inhabitants of Tucume. Among the finds were stunning friezes depicting birdmen piloting reed boats amid anthropomorphic waves. Alice Joyce
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent read for amateur and professional alike!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Pyramids of Tucume: The Quest for Peru's Forgotten City (Hardcover)
This book, by legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl and two archaeologist colleagues, has something for everyone! Tucume is a large site full of adobe pyramids on the north coast of Peru. The site dates to about 1000-1540 AD and in its later years was conquered by the Chimu and then the Inca before falling to ruins after the Spanish Conquest. In the book, Heyerdahl recounts his adventures in Peru in his usual, inimitable style, while the two archaeologists (one American and one Peruvian) discuss the archaeological finds at this fabulous site. The book is full of drawings and photos, many in color. Some of the artifacts are truly spectavular, but just as interesting are the insights into how archaeologists put together a picture of the past from the dusty bits and pieces left in this desert center. Whether you are a fan of Kon-Tiki or interested in the details of Peru's ancient past, this is the book for you
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent read for amateur and professional alike!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Pyramids of Tucume: The Quest for Peru's Forgotten City (Hardcover)
This book, by legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl and two archaeologist colleagues, has something for everyone! Tucume is a large site full of adobe pyramids on the north coast of Peru. The site dates to about 1000-1540 AD and in its later years was conquered by the Chimu and then the Inca Empires before falling to ruins after the Spanish Conquest. In the book, Heyerdahl recounts his adventures in Peru in his usual, inimitable style, while the two archaeologists (one American and one Peruvian) discuss the archaeological finds at this fabulous site. The book is full of drawings and photos, many in color. Some of the artifacts are truly spectacular, but just as interesting are the insights into how archaeologists put together a picture of the past from the dusty bits and pieces left in this desert center. Whether you are a fan of Kon-Tiki or interested in the details of Peru's ancient past, this is the book for you
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Scienfitic oration,
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This review is from: Pyramids of Tucume: The Quest for Peru's Forgotten City (Hardcover)
Text-book type read of the history of uncovering some of the pyramids of Tucum. Thor Hyerdal's chapters are interesting narratives, the others are very scientific and factual but reads like a text book - which is well written but I was expecting more of a narrative type book. If you want factual info about the pyramids, this is definately the book to get. If you want a good read, you might consider another option.
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