The Museum of High Mountain Archeology presents collections related to the archeological heritage associated with the Inca ceremonies carried out in the high peaks of the Andes.
Its main collection presents the archaeological heritage discovered in 1999 at the top of the Llullaillaco volcano, Salta, Argentina. In that sacred place, more than five hundred years ago, the lives of three children and a set of offerings made in miniature that had a symbolic character were given to the gods. This context was part of one of the most important ceremonies of the Inca ritual calendar: the Capacocha.
The MAAM was inaugurated on November 19, 2004 in the historic center of the city of Salta, in front of the main square. Strict and technologically controlled environmental conditions were established, allowing the presentation of a collection with particular characteristics due to its exceptional conservation conditions. The primary mission of the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology is oriented to create and promote a space for the conservation, research and dissemination of the cultural contexts of the pre-Hispanic world of great historical transcendence.
The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits displayed in rooms designed with strict and technologically controlled environmental conditions that allow the presentation of a collection with particular characteristics due to its exceptional conservation conditions.
The excellent state of conservation of the children, known today as the Niña del Rayo, the Niño y la Doncella, implied a challenge in the application of techniques that would allow their adequate preservation and presentation. The bodies of the Llullaillaco Children are preserved today in capsules designed according to cryopreservation guidelines, modifying their atmosphere with a reduced oxygen content in a stable environment of -20ºC and UV and IR filtered illumination to guarantee proper preservation.