A blustery museo afternoon - Canton Palace

What's a girl to do after lunch at an Irish pub with friends on a blustery Saturday afternoon, but cross the street and go to one of the most "famous" museums in Merida?  I've only been here for a year and a half, and have not been.  I think it's beyond time I check out the Canton Palace.

Located on the main drag in Merida, the elegant Canton Palace houses the Regional Anthropology and History Museum.  Currently it showcases two temporary exhibits: Mexican pottery from the Mexican state of Jalisco and the Puuc Code.  Both were truly lovely.

Canton Palace, Paseo de Montejo, Merida

First floor:  "Tonala y Tlaquepaque", which are two municipalities in the Mexican state of Jalisco utilizing pottery techniques that meld both ancient methods with new trends. There are approximately 180 pieces in the exhibition, which basically provide an overview of the history of clay (I know...you really have to like clay!), and well as featuring different production techniques.  Some of these techniques date back to 400 and 600 AD.

For those of you who know me, you know I really appreciate a museum with a great layout. This exhibition is really done quite nicely. 

Enjoy some of my favorite pieces!

This style is called the bandera style (as in "flag" style) because the colors are red, white, and green, like the colors of the Mexican flag.  

A unique footed piece, in the bandera style

Second floor:  the "Puuc Code", an entire exhibit dedicated to the unique features of the Puuc architectural style (found in the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, Kabah, Xlpak, and Oxkintok)  Between the facades, columns, roof combs, and other intricate details, architects can "read the history" of the Puuc era.

Chaac Mool - the rain god - from Uxmal

Sadly, this was my last photo before my camera battery died.  :-( Such is life.  

I guess that means you'll just have to travel to Merida before May 1 to see the rest of this amazing exhibition.

xoxo for now