When Andean hammered gold objects were recently examined more closely by an archaeologist, the museum artefacts were found to be gilded with an incredibly thin layer of gold using a chemical technique that achieved the quality of modern electroplating. The distinctive forked-bow design of the open-ocean kayak used by Aleut Indians synthesizes extraordinary elements into a boat which defies the apparent speed and strength limits of such a craft. It is now influencing the shape of modern sport kayaks and racing yachts. It is still baffling how many ancient architectural monuments, such as the pyramids, were constructed; or how ancient peoples navigated across oceans using their knowledge of the currents and the feel of intermittent waves that bounce off distant islands.