María Teresa Pomar University Museum of Folk Art

Sala Principal. Leatherwork, amate paper, and folk art, among other topics, are displayed together in the building’s largest hall. It contains sandals (huaraches), belts, bags, and amate paper cutouts for ceremonial uses from San Pablito Pahuatla, Puebla. Traditional ceramics from San Bartolo Coyotepec, Metepec, Tonalá, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Michoacán and other places are also on display. Traditional and festive toys are represented by images of Judas from the State of Mexico, dolls and various miniatures made of wood and clay. Metalwork is largely from Oaxaca, including lead soldiers and traditional tools. The Sala Colima contains outfits used in various dances and processions practiced in the state with masks and musical instruments among other elements. This includes a representation of a traditional wedding from the northern part of the state. Another notable feature is the mojigangas, used during charradas and bull runs in Villa de Álvarez. The Sala de Laca is an alcove devoted to wood and other lacquered objects to protect them from humidity. The lacquered items on display include furniture, chests, gourds, among other food storage elements. These items are part of a tradition that extends from Michoacán to Guerrero, Colima, Oaxaca and Chiapas. The hall also contains some non-lacquered wooden objects, illustrating the working traditions of the Seris, Rarámuris and Nahuas. The Sala de Textiles presents rebozos (ponchos), specifically from Santa María del Río in San Luis Potosí, woven on a waist loom and a European pedal loom. Many are dyed with natural dyes and elaborately embroidered. The hall of plant fibers focuses on basketry and other items such as mats and hats. These materials are used; the materials used vary greatly from rigid branches to working with soft reeds.

The second floor is devoted to temporary exhibitions of craftspeople’s works, many of which align with the time of year. In 2011 the museum sponsored a temporary exhibition devoted to puppets, which hold a place in Mexican tradition.