Zacatecas Day 3

Our last day in Zacatecas, we went to the “Museo de las Mascaras,” a showcase of literally thousands of masks from northern Central America and Mexico. Apparently in some cultures, masks were ways of scaring off evil spirits, and in war times, they were empowering. many of them still had the human hair originally used to decorate them. Some were playful looking, others quite disturbing. The emphasis placed on masks in these cultures was surpring. They also had some old pottery, instruments of all sorts, and puppets from around the world. The gardens around the museum were beautiful, and apparently a popular place for weddings/receptions/etc. I think the museum was formally a convent.

Also, here's a picture of the gondola we rode two days before. (You can see the view from the ride two blog entries ago.)

Next we went to “Museo Zacatecano,” with art of the Huichol, an indigenous Mexican group of people that still exist in rural places today. They make tapestries from fine beads and other with fine sewing. According to an inscription I read, Rigoberta Menchú spent some time at this museum, as well. Before we left the city, I took some time to shop and bought two dresses and a top all for $25! Yay.