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Bateas Novohispanas: A Cultural Crossroads Exhibition at Museo de América

Delve into the origin and meaning of unique Novohispanic lacquered bateas, revealing their historical, social, and artistic significance.

The Museo de América invites you to explore 'Bateas novohispanas. Una encrucijada cultural,' an exhibition showcasing an extraordinary collection of lacquered Novohispanic bateas. This display delves into the profound historical, social, and artistic significance of these objects. Visitors will discover the intricate craftsmanship of indigenous artisans and the fascinating fusion of diverse cultural traditions that shaped their creation, reflecting centuries of global exchange.

About Bateas novohispanas. Una encrucijada cultural at Museum of the Americas in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Bateas novohispanas. Una encrucijada cultural at Museum of the Americas in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This exhibition at the Museo de América explores the historical, social, and artistic significance of Novohispanic lacquered bateas. It highlights the craftsmanship of indigenous artisans and the fusion of indigenous, Asian, and Western traditions in their creation, showcasing these pieces as more than just decorative objects but as key indicators of cultural exchange.

Curatorial context

The Museo de América presents 'Bateas novohispanas. Una encrucijada cultural,' an exhibition dedicated to its extraordinary collection of lacquered Novohispanic bateas. The exhibition, curated by Adrián Contreras, a docent at the University of Granada, delves into the origin and meaning of these unique artistic objects. Contreras's research highlights the diversity and specificity of major production centers in Mexico, such as Uruapan, Peribán, Pátzcuaro, and Olinalá, and proposes Yucatán as a new addition to this map of Novohispanic lacquerware production. These pieces, crafted by indigenous artisans, are distinguished by their technical quality and aesthetic value, primarily associated with women's trousseaus. The exhibition explains how the lacquer technique, of pre-Hispanic origin, evolved with Asian influences to create more resistant and luxurious items. While complex and refined examples are preserved, the existence of simpler versions for other social groups is also acknowledged. The exhibition serves as a key reference for understanding these bateas not just as decorative items but as artifacts rich in historical, social, and artistic meaning.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is free to visit, with limited capacity. Visitors are advised to check for guided tour dates and pre-registration requirements.

Bateas novohispanas. Una encrucijada cultural key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Bateas novohispanas. Una encrucijada cultural at Museum of the Americas in Madrid

Venue
Museum of the Americas
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
May 22, 2026 – Oct 18, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Curated by Adrián Contreras, docent at the University of Granada and a leading researcher in the field.
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