Rediscovering the Value of Hidden Treasures
A near century-long dispute has now come to an end. This past weekend, I joined tens of thousands of witnesses who visited Lima’s Government Palace to view the free exhibition of Incan artifacts returned to Peru by Yale University at long last. The story begins with Hiram Bingham, a U.S. explorer co-sponsored by the National Geographic Society who rediscovered and excavated Machu Picchu during various expeditions between 1912 and 1915. Peru and Yale made an agreement that Bingham could borrow over 40,000 archeological pieces consisting of bones, ceramics and jewelry from Machu Picchu for 18 months, but the artifacts were not returned until now.
So, what do we know of Machu Picchu during the five centuries it remained uninhabited?
In 1992, the historian José Tamayo Herrera found an old deed that states: “Doña Manuela Almirón Villegas sold the lands of Pijchu, Machupijchu and Huaynapijchu to Señores Pedro and Antonio Ochoa for the sum of $350. In turn, in 1782, these men resold the aforementioned lands for $450 to the Spanish mayor of the Urubamba Valley.”
Imagining how many hands Machu Picchu has passed through without the realization and discovery of its value had me thinking — how many things in my own life have I undervalued and later “rediscovered”? Overalls I had thrown in the back of my closet ended up being the predominant piece of my Pippi Longstocking costume. The four years of high school Spanish I left to waste during my university years has contributed to what is now my primary mode of communication in Peru. My entire immediate and extended family, who I had turned away from to follow my own path, were the very people who provided and continue to provide the most support.
What treasures have you “rediscovered” in your life?
Tags: hidden treasures, hiram bingham, incan artifacts, incan treasures, machu picchu peru, rediscovering treasures, yale and peru
Martha Giffen
Soooo much wisdom here! Sounds like you have come full circle with your own life. Good for you! I think we all think our families are irrelevant when we are living through our college years, only to rediscover them later for the real treasures they really are! I would have to say, that's my case 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Hardly wisdom, Martha, but thanks for saying so. I feel like I'm learning every day. When does our insight become wisdom, I wonder.
So glad to hear that you relate to my experiences. =) Our families are treasures indeed!
rawkinmom
Okay, so this was a very interesting!! I love learning about history and ancient civilizations!! So fascinating!
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Samantha! It was a learning experience for me too. =)
Thank you for stopping by! I'll have to check out your yummy treats. Heading over there right now!
Dennis Salvatier
I love history lessons. I always say that things aren't ever as exciting as they were in the past. We can learn so much and I did just that today. So glad you've rediscovered the new from the old. As an artist, it makes for great works because it melds old ideas into new ones. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Though isn't it funny that our "today" soon becomes the very "history" that we learn from. And what a beautiful perspective you've brought, Dennis! I always think of writing as my "art" and just today, I was finding inspiration in old writings in old notebooks. The evolution of personal creativity is so amazing.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, Dennis! =)
Jeannette Koczela
This was a great read and coincidentally, I just read an article about Machu Picchu in the latest National Geographic. I didn't know you were located in Peru—it must be fascinating. Yes we all have treasures that are sometimes "undiscovered." One treasure I remind myself of every day is my wonderful husband; and I tell him so. People can be the biggest treasures we have. Thanks for such an interesting post, Samantha.
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Samantha Bangayan
I definitely find myself learning something new every day here in Peru! There aren't any public museums where I am in the Central Andes, but we have ruins and a lot of natural wonders. =)
Jeannette, I'm so glad you mentioned your husband. My partner is indeed one of my greatest treasures and I should be telling him so every day! =) Thanks for reminding me and for dropping by to share your thoughts. I really appreciate you being here. =)
Hajra
I did watch a documentary on this when I was in school…can't recall the name now. We have so much diversity and richness in the past that it amazes me to great extents. I have always been in awe of history..your post makes me wonder why I didn't take it up as a career!
Thanks so much for the lovely post!
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Samantha Bangayan
You know, I have to admit that I never learned about the Incas in school (not that I remember, anyway =P) and I didn't even think anything of Machu Picchu until I arrived here in Peru. It's so true about the richness of our past! In fact, it's another reason why I want to study library studies or archival studies in the future because it includes a component of history. =)
I always value your thoughts, Hajra! =)
Steve Nichoals
Great post, Samantha! I think that one of the big ones I've rediscovered recently is running. Interestingly, now that I'm older (31, I started running seriously last year for the first time in five years and entered my first race in ten years), in some ways, I've found that I need to be smarter about the way I run, and when I did, I've found that there is still a lot of success to be had. For example, this past Saturday, I set a record for the best road 5K I've ever run (23:07.64 net [from the time I crossed the starting line], 23:09.58 total) and the second-fastest 5K off the track (23:04 cross-country when I was 17). All of that because I decided that I wanted something that I thought was lost.
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Samantha Bangayan
Steve, your comment really means so much to me! I used to train myself for 5Ks and 10Ks in university and left that behind when I arrived in Peru. You are an inspiration to me and you remind me that it's never too late to take it up again. Have you heard of the Tarahumara in Mexico who run almost barefeet? I was thinking of working on my legs to build up the power to run that way — apparently, it's safer for our knees!
I love your point about making the decision and effort to go for what is lost. Thank you so much for stopping by, Steve!
Sending millions of congratulations your way for beating your own records! What an amazing feeling! =)
Diana Simon
Hi Samantha, another fantastic post. Before I answer your questions, in Rome, where there are hundreds of museums, there is always talk of returning artifacts to their native countries. I agree with this and arrangements can be made on a loan basis to share the culture with the rest of the world. It's great that Yale has returned these treasures to Peru.
On to your question, the treasure I have rediscovered is my life. This may not make sense but let me explain. Four years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and it was then that I decided that my life is a treasure and I needed to live it to the fullest. It has taught me to treasure things which I value and not focus on petty things. During that time, I truly treasured the support I received from family and friends, many of whom I probably took for granted before.
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea that "stolen" artifacts were an issue in other areas of the world as well. I'm so glad that there's a movement to return these to their native lands. Maybe what has happened in Peru can contribute to the movement in a positive way!
Diana, you are amazing. I noticed you mention your experience with cancer in Tambre's post yesterday and was blown away. Now, you blow me away with your insights on the challenge you lived and fought through. Life is indeed a treasure and thank you for continuing to inspire me to live wholeheartedly. You set a great example and it's no wonder that you're an excellent life coach.
You also describe my own experience so well about "taking things and people for granted." Thank you for relating to me, Diana, and for showing me how valuable our lives really are.
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Keyuri Joshi
I loved the history lesson and the fact that the artifacts are being returned to their birth place. They do belong their don't they?
I am not one to hang on to "things" but do have a few treasures that belonged to my granparents. They remind me of them. One is a jewelry box. I always wonder what pieces my grandmother stored in the.
One very important piece that is missing from the family is a gold medal that my grandfather was awarded by Queen Elizabeth. He was recognized for his community service. The medal is missing but the memory continues to inspire!
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Samantha Bangayan
As far as I understand the conflict, the artifacts definitely belong in Peru, Keyuri.
Wow! You really do have some treasures in your family! My family has a background of migration and there's always very little that they can take along with them when they start a new life in a new country, so it's exciting for me to hear about treasures being passed down through your relatives. I hope you find the missing gold medal! =)
Thanks for stopping by, Keyuri! =)
catarinaalexon
There is a lot to learn from history. Glad Yale University returned the Incan artifacts.
There are a lot of problems with, mainly former colonial powers hanging on to artifacts from above all the Middle East and Greece, I believe.
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Samantha Bangayan
I had no idea that similar scenarios were happening in other parts of the world! It would be so valuable for original countries to have pieces of their history back.
Thanks for adding to the conversation, Catarina! =)
Abe Palmer
In recent years I have discovered that the obsevations of and the lessons taught by my father and older brothers has paved a way in which I may leave priceless artifacts to my children long after I am gone. In my youth I was blessed to be brought upin a family that knew the value of working with their hands. My father once told me "Son, if you learn to work with your hands you will never be without work. On several occations I have had to fall back on the skills I learned as a young man just to make ends meet. During the past several years I have started crafting beautiful furniture pieces for my wife and children every Christmas. Uniquelly Beatiful in there own right no piece is perfect. I chose to leave the flows visible as a reminder to my children that life is full of imperfections and if we can move past that point we can truelly see the Beauty this life can bring us.
Samantha Bangayan
Abe, this is such a lovely peek into your history and being. Skills passed down through the family are an excellent example of discovered treasures. I've always believed that everything we learn becomes useful to us sometime in the future. I love how you've used your abilities not only to make a living at limes, but also to show love to your family and teach your children (and me) a valuable lesson. =) I also imagine you using your sturdy hands on the lands in Chupaca!
Thank you so much for sharing a part of yourself, Abe. Loved getting to know you better through this comment. =)
@janetcallaway
Samantha, aloha. What a terrific post that struck a responsive chord with so many. Unfortunately, the keeping of artifacts that belong to another country or another state are, unfortunately, more the exception than the rule. Worse still is when the "borrower" of the artifacts keeps them hidden away rather than on public display where others could appreciate them.
Quite honestly, I can't imagine anyone "topping" what Diana had to say unless they had a similar story. To discover that your life is a treasure and to prioritize it accordingly, is the perfect way to live. No wonder balance in her life is so important to her.
Samantha, though off the top of my head I cannot think of anything I "rediscovered" in my life, if I do think of something, I will make sure I come back here to share it with you.
The history lesson and the reflections in this post, Samantha, are a magnificent combination. Thank you so much for sharing yoru knowledge and your thoughts.
Wishing you all the best. Until next time, aloha. Janet
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Samantha Bangayan
Imagine that — beautiful works of art and history hidden away. That adds another level of frustration for sure!
It sure is valuable the lesson that Diana shared with all of us. I think it's something we all need to be reminded of from time to time because it's easy to take life for granted.
Thank you so much for appreciating my thoughts, taking the time to stop by and sharing a bit of yourself with me, Janet. =) Take care until next time!
Jen Puckett
Wow girl! You are full of cool info! Isn't it awesome how each piece of history has a story! I love looking at items that have come from the past and thinking of all the people in history that touched the item. It connects us to the past.
My family, of course, is my greatest treasure. I would be nothing without them!
Bruce W Darby
Samantha,
The intenisty of one's life experience's are the things that help them to be 'rediscovered' in our own futures. Small, concentrated, resolute efforts will expand beyond what we will ever believe possible of ourselves. It is hard for me to think of an answer to any one thing in my life that has been rediscovered except perhaps my love of people. I never thought I'd ever want to be a blogger, but I am discovering that I do have something to say that someone feels is of value to their own lives and situations. 🙂 And that is the deepest satisfaction for me.
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Susan Oakes
Samantha, I liked the way you not only shared the history and the way you gave us a life lesson as well. I have some family heirlooms that have a history and story surrounding them and every once in a while it is good to look and them and remember the stories which always brings a smile.
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Samantha Bangayan
How precious! =) I wish we had heirlooms in my family. It has me thinking about the stories of each of the artifacts I saw at the government palace. There was even a mummy of an Incan girl — I could write a novel just thinking about what her life could have been like! =) Thanks for imagining with me, Susan!
@marcus_baker
Samantha, this was my first visit to your blog and what a wonderful experience! Thank you.
Firstly I loved soaking up the richness of your post and the way inwhich you linked the Machu Picchu history with the same themes of 'undervaluing' and 'rediscovering' in your own life.
It was also very inspiring to read the follow up comments.
I have been a 'serial traveller' for much of my life so I often find myself opening boxes in storage and being delighted at rediscovering some item or other that I had completely forgotten I still owned.
This is usually some really ridiculous item that would have absolutely no value to anybody else, like a pair of my favorite winter socks for example. 🙂
At times like these I am always reminded in a very real way that what is one man's treasure is certainly somebody else's trash which make my re-discoveries even more special.
On a deeper level however I concur with Janet re Diana's response. "Things" really don't count for much in the end unless they do indeed have the responsibility of telling the story of a long ago people like the Incas.
What it so much more worth treasuring is ourselves and the people in our lives.
Thank you Samantha for reminding me of this again.
~Marcus
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Samantha Bangayan
Marcus, I was so excited to see your smiling face here and I was ecstatic to learn that you're also a traveler. =) What a great example of rediscovered treasures — resourcefulness is one of the key skills I've learned during my travels, but you're so right that even after the travels, our backpacks and suitcases are filled with potential treasures! It's kind of like the excitement of going through your storage room after years of leaving it closed and locked. =)
You also bring up a really good point about treasures being relative. I wear a necklace that's worth $1 in materials, but worth the world to me because it has deep meaning for me. But ultimately, as you say, materials are worth much less than more abstract values, such as life and relationships.
Thanks for a great conversation, Marcus. =) I'm so glad we're now in touch! =)
Oliver Tausend
Hi Samantha,
truly inspiring, thanks for sharing your insights. I learned – not only of course – that Pippi Langstrumpf means Pippi Longstocking which is a word-by-word translation, awesome. It also reminds me of my youth and my kids love her as well and other stories of Astrid Lindgren's. Don't we all dream of a life like Pippi's ? Kind, unruly, extreme powerful, funny, courageous, happy, no the slightest fear of anything, kind of weird as well…
Having rediscovered these stories thanks to my kids is certainly a big hidden treasure for me.
Take care
Oliver
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RowenaBolo
Hey Sam,
Your blog is always a breath of fresh air for me. Being exposed to network marketing blogs all day, can definitely make the right side of my brain dull …lol …Honestly, your insights allow me to learn so much more about history and different cultures. And the bonus is your style of writing is very engaging and lively (wish history classes were like this ha ha)….
And you lady, are very smart to get us to think of 'rediscoveries' in our lives while injecting some history lessons ;-). The way you expressed how your family supports you is very heartfelt, Sam. I'm sure it wasn't the easiest decision for you to live now in Peru. Well, sacrifices have to be made for massive growth and success! We also support you too, Sam.
Well, my personal rediscovery is this (but I'm not sure if I'm sidetracking). I have this very close friend who also worked here in Singapore (but we were already friends back in Manila). For some unknown reasons, she went MIA, and the last email she sent was to tell me that it was her decision to re-assess her life and be away from us; her friends. Of course, I respected her decision. But, I just so miss her 🙁 She's a psychology major and she is the one who influenced me in terms of being more social. She's definitely an achiever, but she is so fun to be with. It's more of a realization than a rediscovery I suppose. I realize that certain people will touch our lives, but they also have the free will to NOT be part of our lives at any point :-(….
Anyway, that was a long comment. Sam, I always look forward to reading your posts. See you around.
– Rowena
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Samantha Bangayan
Aww… thank you so much, Rowena! =) I'm so glad that Heather has accepted me as a Clever Marketer, even though my marketing style is very different. I consider my articles marketing for my freelance writing career, but she has allowed me to continue writing in my own style. =)
Thank you for your endless support! You're right about sacrifices and I'm sure you can identify because I imagine that you also had to leave family behind to be in Singapore.
Also, thank you for sharing your treasure. It's a strong example of how sometimes we realize how much we really value something only when that thing or person is no longer accessible to us. It sounds like there may be hope that she'll return one day when she's ready and you'll be able to show her how much you treasure her. =)
Thanks again, Rowena! Take care and talk soon! =)
Jym Tarrant
Wow Samantha!
This kind of thing is so interesting. I'd LOVE to go to Machu Picchu, there's not many destination left on my 'must see' list but that is one. Your description of it's state when re-discovered by Hiram Bingham reminds me of the Cambodian Angkor temple complex. Parts of it are still very much in the grip of the jungle, whilst still whispering of the secrets of an ancient and in many ways glorious civilization.
What treasures have I discovered in my life? I'm not sure… It's an interesting question which I'll gently contemplate for I feel there must be some. By view on recent years is more to clear out the old so that what is relevant now has space to be, and since I've moved house and country so many times it's difficult to rediscover hidden things…
I appreciate you sharing this valuable and interesting post – thankyou!
All the best,
Jym
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow, Jym! It sounds like you're also well-traveled! My image of Machu Picchu in the early 1900s now helps me envision the Angkor temple complex. How beautiful!
I totally support you on clearing out the old as I consistently fight my habit of hoarding. =) Living abroad makes a big difference because I really that I need very little to be happy. =)
Jym, please help me access your website! I don't know what's happening! I really want to connect with you further and support you and the MLM Lead Generation. Should I send you screenshots of what happens on different browsers on my Mac and PC? I'll do anything! =)
P.S. Thank you so much for being so kind and patient. Thank you especially for stopping by to comment even though I've been having trouble entering your site. I really appreciate it! =)
gjsuap
Hi there!!
I think the most interesting part of this post is the personal twist you offer in the last part: how to reflect the lost of a great Inca city by 500 years, to the hidden treasures in our personal life… Nice touch!
We are waiting you in the #RetoBlog
Saludos,
Gonzalo.
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Samantha Bangayan
Thanks, Gonzalo! I always try to connect my posts with a personal experience. =)
Can't wait to start with #RetoBlog! I'll try to remember to begin when I post tomorrow! =) Thanks again for the tip and thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate seeing you here! =)
@xdwebsolutions
I love this post! Rediscovery is sooo cool isn't it?! This also relates to the rediscovery of people as well. Sometimes we overlook or downplay a person's existence in our life but then one day, we realize how valuable they are to us and try to hold on to that forever!
Hey, by the way, we wanna see pics of the Pippi Longstocking costume 🙂
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Samantha Bangayan
Yes! It's such a refreshing feeling to rediscover something old as something "new." =) Like you say, Kesha, same goes for people. Thanks for reminding me how valuable the people in my life are. =)
Haha! That was so long ago! I'll have to see if I can scrounge up a photo! =P
resumesurvislady
I have wanted to visit Machu Picchu since I first heard about it many years ago in school. Thank you so much for sharing this post and for really making me think about all the things in my life that I was too quick to dismiss only to wish later on I would have spent more time with.
Samantha Bangayan
You know, I hadn't heard of Machu Picchu until I arrived in Peru a few years ago. =P What's up with the Canadian education system? =)
I'm so glad that this post had you reflecting too, Billye. Thanks so much for stopping by! =)
Tisha
Hi Samantha,
I have to agree with Rowena, your blog is like a breath of fresh air. Your post rewarded me with rich history of Machu Picchu and encouraged me to rediscover the hidden treasure in my life and cherish it. My treasures is my extended family. I have been so busy with my personal life that I kind of lost contact with them.
You have opened my eyes to help me see and remember how great they were to me. Thanks… 🙂
Your writing is truly amazing and I would love to learn form you. This is the type of writing style I would love to combined with my humor.
We will be in touch.Keep up the good work!
~Tisha
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Samantha Bangayan
Tisha, wow! Thank you so very much for your super kind comments regarding my blog and my writing.
My extended family is such a treasure to me too. Immediate family can trump everything at times, but it doesn't mean that other people are any less valuable and important eh? =) Thanks for encouraging me, through your reminder, to keep in contact with them!
We will be in touch for sure! =)
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Josh Garcia
Hi Samantha,
It must of been really cool to see these treasures. I will be visiting Peru. Thanks for sharing a different light in blogging.
Have a great day…
Josh
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Samantha Bangayan
It really was an amazing experience, Josh, made even more amazing because it was my first time entering the government palace. =) There are always guards in front of the place but I later found out that I could have just asked to enter at any time. =P
You have a great day too, Josh! =)
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Mavis Nong
Hi Samantha,
Great post. There is a lot of history to learn here.
Rediscovery is a good thing and that goes for the rediscovery of people too.
Thanks for sharing.
Mavis
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Samantha Bangayan
Indeed! And imagine how much history gets lost in the records. Who knew what was actually happening in Machu Picchu during those five centures! =P
Thanks for your thoughts, Mavis! =) Best of luck with the contest today! I shared your blog post, so I hope it gets more hits!
karencitadeperu
I was in the center of Lima today and saw the line-up for the exhibition but didn't have time to go in. I'll have to make a trip back to check it out.
You were in Lima and didn't call me!?! I would have gone to the exhibition with you!!!
Karen
Samantha Bangayan
I heard it was only there until this past Tuesday! You should check!
So sorry, Karen! It was a whirlwind trip. My friends came to visit from Toronto, told us last minute and Roy and I were only there for a day and half. We rushed back for the elections. Tickets were so expensive. =S But I thought about you and Luis when we walked by Parque Kennedy. =P You guys are priority for the next trip, for sure! =)
Vinny T
For many years I lived far away from and rarely saw my mom, my closest living relative. Fate brought her close me near the end of her life, and I now I oversee her care in a nursing home. Every day, as i visit her, I cherish and love her more and more for her years of sacrifice for me as a child. My Mom truly has been a treasure in my life, I see this more clearly now than ever before.
Thank you, Samantha,for helping me to clarify these thoughts by reading your post.
Vinny T.
Samantha Bangayan
I really do imagine that the same may happen for me, Vinny. I always imagine that no matter how far I go, I will be there for my parents, especially when they need me. That love is continually a rediscovered treasure for me.
Thanks so much for identifying with this post and sharing your personal story, Vinny. I really, really appreciate it!