The Hispano/Latino Collection
 One
of the great strengths of the collection is the large number of everyday items
- the material culture of colonial New Mexico. Cultural change, adaptation to
the physical environment, technological innovation, and cultural continuity can
be studied in light of the implements made or used by New Mexicans.
Bultos
are three-dimensional carved wooden figures. Made primarily of cottonwood and
painted with organic pigments, were also used in much the same contexts as the
retablos. Also exclusively religious in subject matter, the bultos range from
small, easily transportable figures for use in homes to life-size figures and
death carts used for Holy Week and feast day processions and as imagery in churches.
Retablos are paintings on wood panels,
usually painted with organic pigments on a pine panel,
range from small, pocket-sized plaques of individual saints
to full-size altar screens with multiple images intended
for use in community churches. Always religious subjects,
these paintings were used in both homes and churches throughout
the Spanish villages of New Mexico. These paintings, together
with the bultos (sculptures), comprise the majority of
the collection.
Straw and corn husks were cut into geometric and floral
forms and used to decorate wooden objects, such as crosses
and boxes. Known as paja encrustada, this technique
which simulated wood inlay, was probably introduced to
New Mexico by the Franciscans. More
about the Spanish Colonial collection»
Currently in Hispanic Heritage Wing:
New World Cuisine: The Histories of Chocolate, Mate
y Más
 In
the Hispanic Heritage Wing through
January 5, 2014.
This exhibition tells the tale of the earliest cultural
mestizaje (mixing) to take place in the Americas
through food. The exhibition highlights foods that originated
in the New World and foods that were brought over from
Europe via Spain and Asia via the Spanish Manila Galleons.
Several special sections in the exhibition highlight specific
food items. Two of these are chocolate and maté.
The exhibition traces the origins of these two popular
drinks, how they rose to popularity during the colonial
period, and how they were introduced into European society
and culture, and how they have become a strong component
of popular culture today. More than 300 objects related
to food harvesting, preparation, table settings, kitchen
items and utilitarian and decorative implements illustrate
the rich culinary traditions of the Americas. Interactive
gallery activities include a scent station of new and
old world herbs, shorts films about chocolate and mate,
and a world map with food magnets, and a recipe exchange.
Visitors are invited to take recipe cards, and write one
of their own for inclusion on the
New World Cuisine Facebook Page (Photo: by Kitty Leaken)
PAST EXHIBITIONS
A Century of Masters:
The NEA National Heritage Fellows of New Mexico
September 27, 2009- January 30, 2011
 Presented
as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the
founding of the Museum of New Mexico
Each year, the
National Endowment for the Arts» honors
folk artists, storytellers, performers, and musicians
throughout the United States for their contributions
to traditional art forms. The National Heritage Fellows
demonstrate artistic excellence and a commitment to
their art forms through their processes, techniques,
and transmission of the knowledge to others that strengthens
and enriches their communities. New Mexico residents
are well-represented in this distinguished group of
talented artists, especially given the size of the state's
population. The Museum of International Folk Art holds
examples of the works of all the Fellows from New Mexico
in its collections, from weavings, to pottery, tinwork,
straw appliqué, retablos, and woodcarving. .
The exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the
founding of the Museum of New Mexico. This exhibition
closes January 31, 2011. The National Heritage Fellowship
Artists from New Mexico are:
Charles M. Carrillo (artist, santero) 2006
Helen Cordero (Cochiti potter, deceased)
Frances Varos Graves 1986(colcha embroiderer, deceased) 1994
George López (artist, woodcarver, deceased) 1982
Ramón José López (artist, santero)
1997
Esther Martinez (San Juan storyteller, deceased) 2006
Roberto & Lorenzo Martinez(musicians) 2003
Eliseo & Paula Rodriguez (artists, straw appliqué)
2004
Emilio & Senaida Romero (artists, tinwork, deceased)
1987
Margaret Tafoya (Santa Clara potter, deceased) 1984
Irvin Trujillo (Rio Grande weaver) 2007
Cleofes Vigil (storyteller, singer, deceased) 1984
Folk Art of the Andes
April 17, 2011 -September 9, 2012
 A
major exhibition - Folk Art of the Andes -
features over 850 works of art from the nineteenth and
twentieth centuries. This diverse group of Andean folk
arts includes weaving, embroidery, woodcarving, ceramics,
painting, and metalwork, reflecting the interweaving
of indigenous craft traditions with European art forms
and techniques. (Photo, above: Woman's Sidesaddle
Stirrups, Argentina, early 19th century, Silver, 5"
x 8.75". Photo by Blair Clark) The exhibition provides
a window into the rich spirit and culture shared by
the peoples of this highland region of South America
through works ranging from costumes, jewelry, utilitarian
items, and toys to those used in religious practices
and festivals. The exhibit will be accompanied by a
richly illustrated 300 page catalog. In addition, public
programming related to the Andes will take place throughout
the year. The exhibition closes in the Hispanic Heritage
Wing September 9. 2012.
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