Las Momias

unknown

cultural tourism; mummification; curios

Guanajuato, Mexico

Postcard depicting "Las Momias", an installation view of the Museo de las Momias de Guanajunto (Guanajunto Mummies Museum). The bodies were originally buried in a local cemetery after a large cholera outbreak in Guanajunto, Mexico. The families of the deceased were required to pay a tax to the cemetery; many did not, and their relatives were disinterred and placed in storage. Over the years, the warehouse developed into a tourist attraction. Stefan and Elsa probably visited the site and viewed the naturally mummified bodies on display. The exhibition of these bodies reflects unique attitudes towards death and the renewal of life in Mexican culture.

Stefan Hirsch and Elsa Rogo Collection, Bard College Archives

photographic postcard; b&w

Bard College Archives and Special Collections

Bard College Archives

1931?

Prior written permission required to use any photograph from the Bard College Libraries.

Still Image

bc_art.hirsch.046a