This week we are going #AroundTheWorld for #MuseumAtHome!

What links North West England to deepest, darkest Peru?

Clue: it’s not @paddingtonbear!

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In 1895 William Smithies, a Warrington based textile worker, moved to Lima, Peru with his sister to become manager of a textile mill

His #Warrington house, on the same street as @warringtonmus was demolished to extend the museum!

#AroundTheWorld #MuseumAtHome

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Smithies involved himself in local Lima life, but he was also interested in the history of his new neighbours

He began excavating previously disturbing burial mounds in the hills around Lima and Chosica

#AroundTheWorld #MuseumAtHome

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Smithies uncovered over 2000 years of Peruvian history

He found material from many central coastal Peruvian cultures including the Paracas, Moche, Nazca, Chimu & Chancay

Buried with the individuals were pots, figures & intricate textiles

#AroundTheWorld #MuseumAtHome

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Many pots were in the shape of different animals, but others like these male and female ceramic figures were in human form

Known as Cuchimilco, they are thought to be guardians of the tomb or companions for the afterlife

#AroundTheWorld #MuseumAtHome

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Smithies gave these items to Bolton’s first museum, the Chadwick

His amateur excavations highlighted the value of archaeology in understanding Peruvian history

He also gave material to @warringtonmus & @V_and_A

#AroundTheWorld #MuseumAtHome

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