RUFINO TAMAYO MUSEUM Oaxaca, of PRE-Hispanic ART (of Mexico mostly from the Oaxaxa area)

There are a number of great museums in Oaxaca, but the RUFINO TAMAYO MUSEUM of PRE-HISPANIC ART is just amazing. It gives an idea of the achievements of the Pre Columbian civilizations of the Americas - so tragically lost. The idea of the museum is to show pre-columbian art as art and not as archeological artifacts. Also, it has the goal of keeping this art in Mexico rather than have it stripped away to Europe or the United States. I'll post just a few pictures to give a flavor. Unfortunately, all the pictures are taken through museum glass cases, but I think they are still interesting and will change your mind about what pre-Columbian American Civilization was all about. I apologize for the comments on some of the pictures. I hope they aren't too distracting.

This first one seems like a musician and a warrior. It could be a contestant in a game.

This one is a well known relief with a lot of exposure. Even I have seen it before.
This one blew my mind. Looks like a happy child. I would have expected to see it in a museum of Chinese art.
This is one of Naomi's favorites. It reminds her of Moore's work.
I like this one. Maybe because I'm afraid of snakes.
The colors and broad stripes remind me of Northwest Coast Indian design.
Another of Naomi's favorites.
One doesn't need to wonder any longer where 'Day of the Dead' iconography comes from!
The detail in this man's hand is amazing. I didn't get a satisfactory close up. Quite a hat!
An interesting grouping including some of Naomi's favorites.
Lizard's head as feet for the vase. There were a number of imaginative vases.
There is a reason the dog looks so plump and ripe. A hint, its not because of pregnancy.
Just an interesting bowl. I couldn't get the base's detail work very well.
Archeologists are thinking the bumps on the leg are some kind of skin condition. They occur on a lot of ceramic figures. I'm not so sure. But it does remind me of the skin conditions the ancient Jewish Rabbis were so worried about.
An Eagle.
Not uncommon to have a God standing on the back of others. Just think about the various Hindu Gods.
This one truly is scary.

Family?
There were a number of ceramic pieces with exaggerated female genitalia. Beautiful indeed.

This is pretty recognizable as the portico of a temple.
Just plain beautiful!
Family II
Pretty clearly a musician.
What does this wink mean?