There´s a legend which tells that in ancient times, came sailing across the sea, the legendary Lord Naylamp, accompanied by a numerous suite. He landed near the Faquisllanga River and built the “Chot” Temple (today, the “Huaca Chotuna”), where he placed an idol called “Yampallec” (Mochica word which originated the name of Lambayeque). In order to maintain the popular faith alive, King Naylamp burried himself alive nearby the Old Lambayeque. His figure has often been represented on the famous “tumis” or ceremonial knives.

Later on and closely linked to the Chimu culture, the Lambayeque civilization appeared and produced a considerable part of ancient Peru´s goldwork, considered even more important than that produced by the Chimus.

It is assumed that these peoples were incorporated in the Chimu Kingdom, in the course of the 13th century A.C.. Then, the Incas submitted the Chimus in the second half of the 15th century, that is, less than a century before the beginning of the spanish conquest. So, it´s from the North that almost all of the gold that was rescued and is actually exhibited in our musea, comes from.