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The Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California - La Paz
Looking for activities in La Paz for the whole family? Visit the Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California!
La
Paz is not only the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, but also
the cultural center. La Paz boasts a city theater, a stadium and museums.
Worth the visit, is the Museo Regional de Antropologia y Historia de Baja
California Sur (Museum of Regional Anthropology and History of Baja
California Sur) it is one of the things to do while in La Paz.
Located
at Altamirano and 5 of Mayo, it's a short walk from the central plaza. The
museum was established in 1954 and was located in the old house which is
central to the new arts complex. In 1981 the government of Baja and the
National Institute of Anthropology and history provided a grant for the
current building which now houses the museum.
The
permanent exhibition consists of dioramas, photos and artifacts from the
history of Baja California Sur. Dioramas from miniature to life size show
life in the prehistoric times, when native Indian tribes harvested
sustenance from the sea. Visitors can see an ancient burial mound
discovered near Loreto and see photos of the cave paintings found near
Bahia de Los Angeles. It all serves to give the visitor a better
understanding of 
early man in this harsh climate of Baja California. There
are more than 1200 pieces related to the geologic evolution of the
peninsula, archaeology, paleontology and anthropology of the Baja
peninsula.
There are also displays
of the more recent history of Baja. Implements and clothing from the
last three centuries of exploration are displayed in their original
context of use. Flags and military hardware from the conquest of Baja
California line
the walls. Important battles of the Mexican American War are outlined as
well as displays of personal letters and documents from the time period.
It is a good reminder of the fact that the United States and Mexico have
not always been the friendliest of neighbors.
A majority of the displays in the Baja History section are only in 'espanol'. Aztec/Tenochtitlan Exhibit
When we visited the museum also had a display
of artifacts from the
Tenochtitlan excavations in Mexico City. The traveling display is
titled "La Sangre y lo Sagrado - Dioses y Rituales de Mexico Tenochtitlan"
(The Blood and the Sacred - Rituals of the Mexico Tenochtitlan.
In the late 60's and early 1970's excavations
took place in Mexico City unearthing volumes of historical information
about the Aztec empire that
had existed before the conquest of Cortez. The exhibit displays 
some of
the smaller (more transportable) pieces from this dig. Serpent heads and
reclining gods abound in the front room display. Large placards explain
the pieces in both Spanish and English.
Visitors can begin to understand the connection between the violent religious practices of the Aztecs and the world and times in which they lived. These people believed themselves the chosen people of the gods, with a destiny to subjugate those tribes around them.
Photo enlargements of pottery decorations and weavings are displayed and explain the depicted rituals from the gathering of grain to the preparation of a body for the afterlife.
The most enjoyable part of the trip to the museum was the staff. Anxious to discuss and explain the history of Baja California to visitors, these folks were knowledgeable and brought the history to life. The down side here was their limited English. Just as interested in improving their English as conveying the education information contained in the museum, the staff really opened up to us once we accepted the use of "Spanglish".
The museum is open every day from 9AM to 6PM. They offer guided tours, multi media presentations and event hosting. The museum is air conditioned and visitors should allow at least an hour for the complete tour. There is a gift shop with related souvenirs and education items, but the store is not open all museum hours. The Director of the Museum is Lic. Alejandro Zuniga de la Toba. Guides are Guadalupe Garcia, Francisco Beltron and Marie Antonieta Garagalia. A big thanks to our guides, they provided attentive service to our questions. For more information call 612-122-0162
Admission is a donation of $28 pesos each