Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Chiapas facts for kids
The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Chiapas (Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia de Chiapas) is the biggest museum in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. It is also one of the most important museums of its kind in Mexico.
The museum has two main parts. One part shows the ancient history of the state, focusing on the Zoque and Mayan civilizations. The other part covers the history of Chiapas from the time the Spanish arrived until the early 1900s.
Besides its main exhibits, the museum also has a special hall for temporary displays and an auditorium. Here, they host many events like book signings, summer classes, and talks.
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About the Museum Building
The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History is the largest museum in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. It is also one of the most important museums in Mexico. The building was constructed between 1979 and 1982. The museum officially opened its doors in 1984.
It stands next to Madero Park. The building was designed by architect Juan Miramontes Nájera. His design even won a top award in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1985. Inside, you can see a beautiful mural called "The Magical World of the Mayas." This mural was painted by Leonora Carrington in 1963. It was later moved to this museum to be its permanent home.
What You Can See: The Permanent Collection
The museum's main collection tells the story of Chiapas. It is split into two big halls. One hall is about archeology, which means studying ancient times. The other hall is about history, starting from the time the Spanish arrived.
The signs in the museum are mostly in Spanish. But many also have English translations, which is helpful.
The Archeology Hall
This hall shows the history of Chiapas before the Spanish came. It focuses on the Zoque and Maya cultures. These groups lived in the state long ago.
The items on display are divided into three time periods:
- The Preclassic Period: This period started around 2000 to 1000 BCE. It was when people began to settle down and farm. Important cultures like the Olmecs grew during this time. Ancient cities like Izapa and Chiapa de Corzo were also very important.
- The Classic Period: From about 300 BCE to 900 CE, the amazing Maya civilization became very powerful. Some Zoque settlements also thrived during this time.
- The Postclassic Period: After 900 CE, many big Mayan cities declined. People spread out into smaller communities. Later, the Aztecs from central Mexico started to move into Chiapas. They conquered some areas like the Central Valley.
In this hall, you will see ancient artifacts. There are also diagrams, maps, and pictures of old murals to help you understand the past.
The History Hall
This hall covers the history of Chiapas from the Spanish conquest to the early 1900s. It includes different periods:
- The Spanish conquest of the area.
- The time when Chiapas was a Spanish colony.
- Mexico's Independence from Spain.
- The Reform War era.
- The time of Porfirio Díaz.
- The Mexican Revolution.
Here, you can see old weapons, tools, historical papers, paintings, and religious items. Many of these items come from places like Chiapa de Corzo, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and an old monastery in Tecpatán.
Events and Special Exhibits
The museum has a special hall for temporary exhibits. It also has a large auditorium that can hold 250 people. These spaces are used for many different events.
The museum offers fun summer courses, especially for children. These workshops teach about archeology, pottery, and art like watercolor painting. They also have a Sunday movie club for kids.
Every year, the museum sets up a traditional altar for Day of the Dead. This altar is very popular with both local people and tourists. Artists and craftspeople from Chiapas help create it. It shows the rich traditions and culture of the state.
The museum also celebrates International Museum Day each year. They have music, guided tours, and other activities. Since 2001, the museum has hosted a Children’s Culture Day. This event focuses on primary school children from areas with lower incomes. Many organizations join in, attracting about 200 children every year.
Temporary exhibits at the museum have shown many interesting things. One exhibit was called "Soul of Clay." It displayed about 350 ceramic pieces, some over 4,000 years old! Another exhibit, "Traditional Healers and Beliefs," featured artworks by Chiapas artists. It explored the native spiritual traditions of the state.
The museum also presented an exhibit called "The Pre Hispanic Jaguar, Footprints of the Divine." This exhibit focused on ancient artifacts showing the jaguar. In many ancient cultures, the jaguar was a symbol of the supernatural. Its image appears in old art from very early times. Even today, many indigenous groups respect this animal. The exhibit included sculptures of human-jaguar figures. It also showed jaguars on pottery and other tools from different parts of Chiapas.
16°45′35.42″N 93°6′24.22″W / 16.7598389°N 93.1067278°W
See also
In Spanish: Museo Regional de Chiapas para niños
