Ignacio Bernal facts for kids
Ignacio Bernal (born February 13, 1910, in Paris; died January 24, 1992, in Mexico City) was a very important Mexican anthropologist and archaeologist. He spent his life studying ancient cultures.
Bernal helped dig up and explore many ancient sites. He started working at Monte Albán as a student of Alfonso Caso, who was another famous archaeologist. Later, Bernal led big archaeological projects at Teotihuacan, which is another amazing ancient city. In 1965, he also excavated Dainzú. He was the director of Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology from 1962 to 1968, and again from 1970 to 1977. This museum is a very important place for learning about Mexico's past. In 1965, he was chosen as an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Bernal won the Premio Nacional (National Award) in 1969, which is a big honor in Mexico. He also helped start the Third World Academy of Sciences in 1983.
About His Life
Ignacio Bernal was the son of Rafael and Rafaela Garcia Pimentel. He married Sofia Verea on October 14, 1944. They had four children: Ignacio, Rafaela, Carlos, and Concepcion. He earned his master's degree from the Escuela Nacional de Antropologia in Mexico in 1946. He then got his Ph.D. from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in 1949. His younger brother, Rafael Bernal, became a well-known novelist.
His Discoveries and Work
Ignacio Bernal dedicated his life to uncovering the secrets of ancient Mexico. His work helped us understand more about civilizations like the Zapotecs and Mixtecs who lived in places like Monte Albán. This ancient city in Oaxaca is famous for its pyramids, tombs, and ball courts.
He also led major digs at Teotihuacan, a huge ancient city near Mexico City. Teotihuacan is known for its massive pyramids, like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Bernal's research helped us learn about the people who built and lived in this impressive city.
As the director of the National Museum of Anthropology, Bernal helped share Mexico's rich history with many people. The museum holds incredible artifacts from ancient cultures, and his leadership made it a world-class institution.
Books He Wrote
Ignacio Bernal wrote many books about his discoveries and the history of ancient Mexico. Some of his important publications include:
- Ancient Mexico in Colour (1979)
- A History of Mexican Archaeology: the Vanished Civilizations of Middle America (1980). This book tells the story of how archaeologists explored the ancient cultures of Mexico. ISBN: 0-500-78008-0
- Mexico Before Cortez: Art, History, Legend (1963)
- The Mexican National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico (1968)
- The Olmec World. (1969). This book focused on the Olmecs, one of the earliest major civilizations in Mesoamerica.
He also co-wrote a book with J. Paddock:
- Paddock, J., & Bernal, I. (1966). Ancient Oaxaca; Discoveries in Mexican Archeology and History.
Awards and Honors
Ignacio Bernal received many awards for his important work in archaeology and anthropology:
- H.H.D., University of Americas
- L.H.D. (Doctor of Humane Letters), University of California, Berkeley
- LL.D. (Doctor of Laws), St. Mary's University
- National Science Award, Mexico
