At the east end of Calle Largo the Museo Pumapungo one of Cuenca’s most polished museums awaits the visitor. The museum is free. Just enter the building sign a visitors form and prepare to be entertained. The first floor has a lovely shop with unique jewelry, toys, and tiles. One area is entirely devoted to coins a reminder that this museum was once known as Banco Central Museum.The rest of the area is made of up displays of woven clothing, hat, musical instruments and household items used by residents of the area. Seeing the interior of these huts made we realize how opulent our lives are.
The most fascinating and peaceful part of the museum was the outdoor archeological park behind the building. First there were two large ovens that were used to bake the building materials used in building the Incan city. There were the usual temple sites and outlines of buildings used for storage or various needs. Llamas grazed and slept on the terraced hill and there was a huge garden that represented the crops that provided food for the residents of the area. Corn, the staff of life, watermelons, pumpkins, beans are a part of the Incan diet were grown. There are fours rivers near by to irrigation was available to water the crops. Flowers and herbs that were easily recognizable were used as food and medicines. An beautiful well tended aviary was full of birds. The Incan people believed there was a direct connection between man and bird and the birds became godlike. Feathers were used to adorn their clothing and their bodies. One particular item in the part was particularly beautiful. A small tower filled with music and nets of feathers featured a video of migrating birds. We were invited to sit and meditate on the importance of our feathered friends. We plan to return to the outdoor park for a second visit.
