Tello the archaeologist didn’t start out on that path. He
initially wanted to be a doctor, and studied medicine at San Marcos University.
In
1908 he presented his thesis on the antiquity of syphilis in Peru to
great acclaim. Indeed according to tio Hernan, it was the first time in
the history of Peruvian medicine that a student had graduated with such high
distinction.
It
was this scientific grounding that later inspired in him the methodological
approach to archaeology which he became famous for. And it was obvious even at this stage that this young man from
the mountains was destined for success.
But not to everyone …..
fig 1
The sorcerer
In which the upstanding residents of Comesebo Street become convinced they are harbouring a dangerous psychopath
The tenants
in the alley just off Comesebo Street were adjusting to the presence of their
rather strange new neighbour. The young man had not made friends with any of
them and so no-one knew anything of his occupation or his pursuits. All they knew
was that he left very early in the morning and arrived late at night. And they
noticed that he was always carrying a load of books under his arm. It was the
books that most exasperated some of the local Limeños, who were of the opinion
that this serrano was trying to get
ahead of himself.
And then
something happened that led them to the conclusion that he wasn’t a student at
all.
