Cusco: Historical Version

I spent this last weekend in Cusco with my friend Kristina. We visited La Catedral, Iglesia de la Compania, Iglesia de San Blas, Coricancha and Museo de la Coca. It was all very interesting, especially to see how native artists incorporated local elements into traditional religious images.  

This first photo is of a painting of the last supper that hangs in La Catedral. It is very famous because they are eating cuy (guinea pig) and local fruits and vegetables. Also, Judas (front right) is inspired by Francisco Pizarro, the conqueror of the Inca.

This next photo is of the pulpit at the Iglesia de San Blas. This pulpit is famous because it was carved from a single cedar tree trunk. It is one of the most famous examples of colonial art. The crown of Jesus, which is shaped like the rays of the sun, is inspired by an Incan deity.

Coricancha was the most important Incan sun temple, but the Spanish conquistadors destroyed it and built a church, Santo Domingo, on top of the foundation ruins. These foundation stones were hidden from view until the 1950s, when they were revealed by a major earthquake.

Only two more full weekends to go!