Jade is one of the most important and ancient stones around the world, especially for the Mesoamerican culture. It was considered the most valuable of all, even above gold and silver, as its value transcended beyond the use given, as it relates to life and eternity. That is why, it is interesting to study this stone and the influence it has had on these cultures, and one of the privileged places to get in contact this mineral is the Mesoamerican Jade Museum.
The museum is located in the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico, and it was inaugurated on October 2001. The building belongs to La Casa del Jade, a leader in the management of this stone.
The museum has four exhibition rooms in which the most representative pieces are displayed; some are replicas of jade objects and jewelry made by major exhibits of the eight Mesoamerican cultures: Mayan, Toltec, Aztec, Mocaya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Teotihuacan and Olmec:
The pre classical room: The mocayas are represented in this room, and you can find pieces of the following cultures: Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec and Teotihuacan.
The Classic room: There are parts of the culture of Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, Campeche and Chiapas, which later became Mexico.
The Post classic room: With Aztec and Toltec pieces.
The Sepulcher room: It is one of the most visited rooms at the museum tour. It has displayed a large colorful replica of the mausoleum of the eleventh ruler of the Mayan city of Palenque, Pakal Janaab Kinich in its original size.
During the museum tour, you will not only appreciate the beauty of these replicas, but you will also learn how the jade stone and its varieties are crafted. There is also exposed a collection of Mayan and Olmecs ceramics, a specialized library, an analysis laboratory, a teaching area and a store to purchase replicas and jade jewelry, made by skilled craftsmen and designers.
It should be noted that the pieces on display and the jewels that are sold besides on being concocted, are certified replicas of the original pieces, so we can hardly see them or purchase them elsewhere.
We are all fascinated by knowledge, and museums are windows to the knowledge of our historical past, therefore, the importance of having many places like these will help to preserve and disseminate the historical and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. Feel free to visit it.
ALFA