Philip Ainsworth Means

Philip Ainsworth Means was an influential American anthropologist and historian, renowned for his extensive research on South America, particularly the Inca Empire. His academic journey included five significant trips to Peru, where he conducted in-depth studies of the Incas in the Cuzco region and oversaw archaeological excavations. Means held prominent positions, including director of the National Museum of Archeology in Lima, and collaborated with esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Means authored several important works, with 'Ancient Civilization of the Andes' (1931) standing out as a seminal text that established itself as a standard reference on Incan history and culture. His contributions to the field of anthropology and archaeology not only advanced the understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations but also laid the groundwork for future scholars in the study of Andean cultures. Through his rigorous research and publications, Means left a lasting legacy in the academic community, influencing both historical scholarship and public interest in the rich heritage of the Andes.