Hi everybody;

Today is the Day International of Museums. For thsi reason yesterday the nuseums were free for everybody in Salta. My close friend invited me to do the visit to some of them. I was more interested in MAAM, the only museums which keeps the mommies found in the Andes in 1999. But it was impossible to get in. The line was so long that we decided to find one which would not be so famous.

That´s why we decided to go to Pajcha Museum.

Pajacha Museum is located on 20 de Febrero St 838, close to EL LAGAR, so if you are staying there do not miss it.

PAJCHA Museum is about (South)American Ethnic Art. There are really interesting pieces from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and of course Argentina. My favorite part was the religious Collection. Some pieces show the sychretism in the imagery of Mary who also represents for the natives PACHAMAMA. I loved all the textiles and the different designs, the pictures and of course the excellent display of all the valuable pieces.

I am used to Museum... But this one worths a visit.

If you come to Salta. DO not miss it.

Remember PAJCHA on 20 de Febrero 838.
Flintstones

On a rainy morning in February 2008, we were staying in Salta and had plans to travel up the mountains (Northwest from Salta) but the road was washed out. Instead we wound up at MAAM not knowing exactly what was there. It's a lovely museum and well worth the time but we were overwhelmed when we wandered into the rooms where the mummy of the Inca girl is kept. She and two other youngsters were sacrificed to the gods during a festival after being drugged and left to die in the desolate cold and ice in the Andes some 4 miles high.

We had read about the discovery of the trio some 8 years prior and were astonished to find them in Salta. I had no knowledge that they were there and the exhibit was just wonderful.

Incidentally, we arrived at an early hour when the admission was free and the rooms were almost empty.

Salta is a town qith a lot of interesting things. I am sorry you did not take the risk to go to the north where probably would not be raining... Just leave some kms away and the weather changes.
Hope you come back one day and see much more.
Next time visit also Pajcha.
I had no chance to see MAAM. I know what it contains. I was told it is great.
Flintstones

Flintstones: Are you saying you (the TOP independent guide in the NW, IMHO) have never visited the MAAM?

What are you waiting for?

It is a questions of principles. I agree with the native claims for the return of the mommies to the ancient places.
I got a partner to do that last Sunday, but the line was so long- Anyway, I would not get into the room where the mommy is. I wish they were taken back to the Llullaillaco. Where they should have never been taken from.
But that is a very personal point of view. ;o)
Flintstones...

If it is a question of principle, why would you do it with a partner and not by yourself, flintstones?

Just kidding. LOL!!!

Would also recommend MAAM Museum. Although the museum is small, the collections are well displayed and excellent. It did seem disconcerting to be viewing in Salta a native ritual of sacrifice of children in the mountains. Angie's principles for their return to their original resting place rates high with me.