By Wang Ru | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-05-17 18:04
Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva, who excavated the Royal Tombs of Sipan in Peru, introduces a gold artifact. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
A ceremony for Maize·Gold·Jaguar: A Grand Exhibition of Ancient Maya and Andean Civilizations was held at the Capital Museum in Beijing on Sunday. The exhibition officially opens on Monday, which is International Museum Day.
With about 800 artifacts from more than 20 cultural heritage institutes in Mexico and Peru, the exhibition the largest in the museum's history, covering three main halls and public areas. Ancient Chinese civilization and the Maya-Andean civilizations face each other across the same space, offering visitors a dialogue that transcends time.
"Maize" symbolizes the agricultural foundation and material basis that sustained the ancient peoples of the Americas; the "jaguar", a beast unique to the American continent, serves as a sacred totem and symbol of power revered by both the Maya and Andean civilizations; and "gold" within the Andean cultural system represents the supreme religious beliefs and secular authority. Together, the three elements outline a complete picture of civilization from subsistence and production to spiritual beliefs and power structures.
A sandstone statue on display at the new exhibition. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The exhibition has three parts. "The Maya World" section brings together a new selection of Mexican artifacts from previous touring exhibitions, with 90 percent on display in Beijing for the first time.
The "Treasures of the King" section presents, for the first time in its entirety, archaeological findings from the Royal Tombs of Sipan in Peru, offering an in-depth look at the burial customs and masterful metalwork of the Moche elite: 80 percent of these artifacts are making their debut in China, and 50 percent have never left Peru before. The "Spirits of Nature" section uses a story-driven narrative to explore the emotional bond between humans and animals, featuring artifacts all being shown in China for the first time.
Tan Xiaoling, deputy director of the Capital Museum, said the exhibition is a chance for three major civilizations — the Maya, Andean and Chinese — to enter a dialogue within the display area.
"No matter which exhibition hall you visit, you will have a unique experience," Tan said.
"Explore the mysterious Maya civilization, the Andean civilization renowned for its masterful goldsmithing, and the section that helps you discover your animal soulmate. Come and see for yourself."
Visitors listen to an introduction on the artifacts on display. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The exhibition is one of the highlights of this year's activities to mark International Museum Day in Beijing. From Monday, the Beijing Museum Season will also kick off, during which various activities will be held in more than 50 museums across the city, including lectures, displays, performances and role-playing games.
Maize·Gold·Jaguar: A Grand Exhibition of Ancient Maya and Andean Civilizations will run until Oct 18.
A Moche culture gold headdress, Peru, circa 100-850 AD, on display at Beijing's Capital Museum. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
A Moche culture gold warrior figurine, circa 100-850 AD, on display at Beijing's Capital Museum. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
A large Wari culture anthropomorphic ceramic jar, Peru, circa 600-1000 AD, on display at Beijing's Capital Museum. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
A group of Wari culture silver figurines, Peru, circa 600-1000 AD, on display at Beijing's Capital Museum. [Photo by Jiang Dong/chinadaily.com.cn]
