Houston Museum of Natural Science- The Americas Exhibit

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has an Americas exhibit. The exhibit focuses on all the tribes that lived in the Americas before the Europeans came and conquered. It had items and information on the Toltec, Teotihuacan, Olmec, Mayan, Inca, and Aztec. I was unable to find a curator on the third floor to ask questions about the exhibit, but I did notice some of the items in the collection were donated to HMNS, others were bought in auctions and lastly some items were on loan from other museums or collections.

It gave a lot of insight into the culture of the Native Americans, I was surprised at how civilized they were in certain areas like their irrigation systems. It seems some of the Native Americans advancements were downplayed because they were not seen as a "civilized" society, even though they were. Link to a video I took on Aztec Culture at HMNS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmDBoG2VlOA

 



Standing Maya Lord
Maya 600-900 AD

Maya kings were called upon as ruler, warrior and priest. Cities were sometimes linked by marriage, but often went to war with each other. When they fought the battles were led by kings themselves.

Laughing Figure
Remojadas, Gulf Coast, Mexico
200 AD- 900 AD



 

Stone Tools


Native American technology depended on stone tools. They were used to build huge pyramids, cave monuments, and construct houses. Later metal working techniques were introduces from South America.

Inca Road System

Incensario
Esquintla, Guatemala
Teotihuacan 250-550 AD

Native American Shelter

Necklace made with turquoise, coral, and shells

Mayan Painting

Aztec Skeleton Statue
Represents god Tlahiuzcalpantecuhtli

            The Aztecs thought he devoured people out late at night. It was often used to teach children obedience. 

Wedding Jar

The wedding jar was apart of the traditional Native American Wedding. A jar is usually given to the couple a few weeks before the wedding by the grooms parents. The double spouts represents two lives; the bridge between the spouts represents uniting two as one. At one time the jar was smashed after the wedding but later they were kept and cherished.

Me next to a Mayan Statue

Me and my siblings at the exhibit

 Ticket to the Americas exhibit

Shirt I bought I in the gift shop.