Sensory system

Visual

Context

The object in its case in the museum, alongside other objects from across the world and across time.

Temporality

Contemporary Cambridge

Physical

This is a lime scoop or spoon, but the bowl is hidden by the perspex mount. It's really small, and the details are hard to see. The database image magnifies the little monkey, its back legs flexed, front legs outstretched, with its comically large front paws holding out a sphere of gold.

Emotional

This shiny monkey, holding out its paws, never fails to cheer me up. As it is right next to the chuños (freeze dried potatoes, see 1931.56 A), I always joke with visitors that the database says it is holding a bowl or a fruit, but we all know what it's really holding, then I trail off expectantly. Visitors inevitably fill the gap by  joyfully exclaiming "A potato!" This always feels like an easier connection to make than talking about coca consumption. The tail of the monkey spirals towards its body. It reminds me of the '<a href="https://peru.info/es-pe/marca-peru">Marca Perú</a>', the identity created by the Peruvian government's tourism department, based on the spiral shapes of the Nazca lines. This object is not Nazca, but the tail is reminiscent of these shapes. I remember special times with family in Peru. Visiting the Nazca lines and climbing the observation tower; my nephew, then a baby, cheerfully chewing on the hat of our tour guide while being carried up the stairs. Staying in the jungle and being woken by the etherial sound of howler monkeys loudly announcing the dawn. Spotting a harpy eagle, and hearing the squeals of the monkey it caught. I am so grateful for these experiences of Peruvian monkeys.

Relationships

• Sound
• Temperature
• Touch