SW New Mexico News

A new exhibit at New Mexico State University’s University Museum will showcase the ancient Casas Grandes culture beginning April 17. Titled “Ceramics and Culture: A Window into Casas Grandes,” the student-curated exhibit explores the culture with pottery and artifacts from the museum's collection. These pieces highlight the Paquimé archaeological site in northwestern Chihuahua, Mexico.

Students involved in the project are part of Heather Para's Museum Field Methods class and have worked diligently to provide a meaningful experience for museum visitors. The public is invited to the opening event scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. The exhibit will remain accessible during regular museum hours—Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

“This exhibit gives our students the chance to gain hands-on experience with every stage of exhibit creation, from research and design to construction and storytelling,” said Heather Para, a museum curator and instructor. “We aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how museums operate, preparing them for careers in the field.”

The Casas Grandes culture, also known as Paquimé, was active from A.D. 1130 to 1450 and is known for its complex architecture and craftsmanship. The exhibit looks beyond mere ceramic displays, focusing on how these items narrate the broader story of this culture.

“This exhibit helps visitors better understand the significance of Casas Grandes and its connections to the wider cultural landscape of the region,” said Mikayla Gonzales, an anthropology graduate student. “By studying the pottery and artifacts, visitors can see how the pieces serve as a window into the daily lives, beliefs, and trade practices of the Casas Grandes culture.”

A prominent feature is a mural of the horned serpent, a significant figure in Casas Grandes mythology, designed by student Elizabeth Swenson. This mural combines visual and cultural elements of the exhibit. Other features include various ceramics such as effigy pots and Ramos Polychrome pottery.

Modern technology has been integrated into the exhibit, thanks to Nathan Camp, Emerging Technologies Librarian at NMSU’s Branson Library. Camp helped students create 3D models of artifacts, allowing visitors to digitally interact with them.

Students Mikayla Gonzales, Elizabeth Swenson, Sabrina Gonzalez, Alejandra Maese-Mora, Sammi Burke, and Ulises Castañeda contributed significantly to the exhibit's research and design. The exhibit will be on display through Spring 2027, after which a new pottery-focused exhibit will be curated.

For more information, interested parties can follow NMSU’s University Museum on Facebook.