Pre-Columbian America: Ritual Arts of the New World

A complete catalogue of the pre-Columbian art collection of the Barbier-Mueller Museum and also a reference work for pre-Columbian studies. An introduction by Octavio Paz is followed by a selection of Jean Paul Barbier's essays covering Christopher Columbus' expeditions, the discovery of the New World and the conquest of Mexico and Peru by Cortés and Pizarro. The second part of the book is devoted to the art of Central America (Henri Stierlin), of ancient Peru (Danièle Lavallée), of Amazonia (Iris Barry), studying the cultures of the various countries, and reconstructing their traditions, religious rites, and political and social organization in the millenia preceding their discovery by Columbus. The last part of the book features a wealth of photographic material and information on the works in the museum.