PERU...THE SECRET OF THE INCAS

Welcome to Peru...land of the Incas.

Like their Mexican coutnerparts, the Aztecs, these proud people were all but destroyed by Spanish conquistadors who wanted their lands and their treasures and to convert them from what the king of Spain called barbarism. But in the end, all the conquistadors got were people who were more defiant and proud. True, they forsakened their ancient gods for Christianity...but they still adhere to ancient rituals, such as offering food to Inti, the god of the sun.

This example of Incan art shows roughly 1,000 years of Incan folklore...the Incan sun-god raising his hands to accept his sister, who flies to him as a hawk...the temples which were erected to worship the gods but which reflected those of Egypt...and two of Peru's most treasures creatures, the leopard and condor, the largest of all living birds.

Macchu Picchu...an ancient city nestled, like the fictional Shangri-La, in a valley surrounded by tall mountains. It was from this city that Atahualpa ruled his people and worshipped the sun-god. Many of the modern Inca people make pilgrimages to this ruined city at which archaeologists from every corner of the world still come to unearth ancient secrets and treasures. It was here that the world renowned Rosetta Stone was found in the late 18th century. That treasure now resides in the museum at the University of Cuzco under extreme heavy guard. The value of the Rosetta Stone is inestimable...for you cannot put a price on ancient history.

I had the pleasure of visiting Macchu Picchu in the summer of 1988 while on a global modeling junket. We were permitted to visit the interiors of all the temples and see the mummies of high priests and priestesses, who are still honored today as though they were still alive. Trays of food and fruit are offered every day at sunset, a ritual which is called taita. The offering is always gone by dawn...believed by natives to have been taken to heaven by Inti's sister to assure a long and prosperous existence to the people.

The mysterious plains of Nazca.

From the ground, they appear to be no more than barren stretches of land. But from the air...one can see thousands of designs etched deep into the ground. It is believed that the ancient Incas worshipped gods that visited them often, taking some of their women to bear "holy" children. The Incas say that Inti himself was one of these ancient visitors...one who held the power of life and death in his bare hands. When Inti first arrived, he came in a brilliant ball of light...perhaps what scientists today call a UFO. When Inti and the minor gods departed, the ancient Incas etched these designs...in the form of monkeys, spiders, birds, etc....to honor them and stand as a eternal landing sight when, and if, the gods decide to visit them again.

A monstrous trident is cut deep into the side of a mountain near the plains, pointing in the direction of the ancient capital city of Cuzco. Today, the city is the main focal point for tourists to meet and take trips by land and air to view the "drawings in the earth".

Museums all over Peru house ancient artifacts found in the ancient temples for all the world to see. This statue of a mamakuna is at the University of Cuzco. Though carved of stone and partially broken, it is still considered to be priceless.

Another treasure which is lodged at the University of Cuzco and under 24-hour armed guard is a round tablet called the Sunburst. This stone artifact is said to weigh between twenty and thirty pounds and holds 100 pure diamonds, 200 rubies and emeralds and hundreds of other valuable gems, making its value inestimable.

Last, but not least...one of Peru's most beautiful treasures.

Yma Sumac, the youngest daughter of a Peruvian city dweller and a Quechuan woman, was considered to have the most beautiful voice ever heard. Born in the village of Ichocan in 1922, she was discovered by a government official singing like birds and gurgling like rolling water and brought to the attention of other ministers in Lima who, upon hearing her six octave range, decided to display her natural talents to the world. One of these ministers, Moises Vivanco, fell in love with the voice...and, ultimately, with the woman herself, marrying her in 1942. Sumac toured the United States in the 50s, settling down permanently in Los Angeles, a city as diverse as Lima. Sumac appeared on Broadway and in films, making countless recordings which are still heard today. Sadly, Sumac succumbed to cancer in November 2008 at the age of 86, leaving behind her legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Note: To truly appreciate the singing voice and acting talent of Yma Sumac, visit youtube.com and type in "Yma Sumac". You will see and hear her performing. To view her acting, type in "Secret of the Incas" and/or "Omar Khayyam (1957)".