Student Name:
Mini-Museum of Mexican Cultural Influence in the Southwest
Find five culturally significant artifacts of Mexican southwestern culture from the 19th century. You may
find these items online (for example, on a museum's website) or elsewhere (books, local museum,
personal belongings, drawings, etc.). Items may include any pieces representative of Mexican
southwestern culture including art, architecture, clothing, jewelry, religious objects, or writing.
Assemble images of your artifacts into a mini “museum exhibit” with a paragraph of information about
each artifact and its cultural significance.
Directions: Use the guidelines below to help you prepare your exhibit of each artifact.
Artifact 1
1. Name/Description of Artifact:
The Getty Research Institute refers to it as Antiquités Américaines.
2. Original Location and Time Period:
The original photo was taken at Mexico's Museo Nacional in the 19th century.
3. Source Where You Found It (website address, book title, etc.):
https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/home/collection-at-national-museum-of-mexico-186
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4. Explanation of the Artifact’s Cultural Significance:
Besides capturing a museum collection preserved in time, the earliest images of
artifacts at Mexico's Museo Nacional also reflect 19th-century ideas about
pre-Columbian art and cultures.
Artifact 2
1. Name/Description of Artifact:
A black pottery vase intended to imitate Aztec cultural style.
2. Original Location and Time Period:
They were crafted and gained popularity in the 19th century, with large quantities
produced in Tlatelolco, a city near Mexico City. Student Name:
Mini-Museum of Mexican Cultural Influence in the Southwest
3. Source Where You Found It (website address, book title, etc.):
https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/home/collection-at-national-museum-of-mexico-186
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4. Explanation of the Artifact’s Cultural Significance:
It was important for these vases to be crafted correctly in order to accurately represent
Aztec culture.
Artifact 3
1. Name/Description of Artifact:
Blackware ceramic snake with a coiled design
2. Original Location and Time Period:
They were first produced in 1829 in Mexico and gained popularity throughout the 19th
century.
3. Source Where You Found It (website address, book title, etc.):
https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/home/collection-at-national-museum-of-mexico-186
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4. Explanation of the Artifact’s Cultural Significance:
In 1865, the snake, which held great significance in Aztec culture, was honored by
being crafted in ceramic.
Artifact 4
1. Name/Description of Artifact:
A statue of Chalchiuhtlicue, the Aztec goddess of water
2. Original Location and Time Period:
Originally from Mexico City, it was created around 1824 and has since been loaned to
museums worldwide. Student Name:
Mini-Museum of Mexican Cultural Influence in the Southwest
3. Source Where You Found It (website address, book title, etc.):
https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/home/collection-at-national-museum-of-mexico-186
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4. Explanation of the Artifact’s Cultural Significance:
The statue of Chalchiuhtlicue, the water goddess, represents a deity that was
worshipped by the Aztecs.
Artifact 5
1. Name/Description of Artifact:
An animal sculpture by Franck, part of the Peasco collection.
2. Original Location and Time Period:
It was created in Mexico during the 19th century.
3. Source Where You Found It (website address, book title, etc.):
https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/home/collection-at-national-museum-of-mexico-186
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4. Explanation of the Artifact’s Cultural Significance:
A sculpture of a lion posed in a reclining position, resembling a dog