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Pre- Columbian Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica is a cultural area stretching from Mexico to the north of Costa Rica. This region has witnessed outstanding cultural and economic achievements: the beginnings of agriculture, the development of complex societies, trade, writing systems and calendars. The Zapotecs and Mayas in the south and the Aztecs in the central plateau of Mexico figure among the most remarkable pre-Columbian cultures.

The West Coast of Mexico

Unfortunately, little is known of cultural trajectories on the west coast of Mexico. The rich ceramic tradition of this region has come down to us through repeated pillaging of grave sites. The items presented here come from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Nayarit and Colima. Various groups occupied these regions at the beginning of the Christian era. They all laid their dead in necropolises, large underground chambers reached by a shaft. Each chamber could hold up to about ten individuals, accompanied by numerous offerings, including ceramic objects.