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Ancient Mexican Art from the Collection of the National Museum of the American Indian

July 21, 2002 - March 15, 2003

Museum: American Indian Museum Heye Center

Location: George Gustav Heye Center, Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

This exhibition features 44 pieces -- most of which have never before been publicly displayed -- from the museum's collection to illustrate the cultural and historic continuity of Mexican art for more than 2,000 years. Most date to before the intrusions of non-Native people into Mexico in the 1500s; several date as far back as 400 B.C. The objects made by indigenous groups -- Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Mixtec, Maya, and others -- include ceramic and stone sculpture, bowls, vessels, pendants, masks, and funerary urns. Many of the techniques used to create these ancient pieces survive today, thanks to the great masters of Mexican folk art.