Argentina Guide
The Northwest
Museo de Arte Étnico Americano Pajcha
Opening time: Mon– Sat 9am–7pm, closed Mon but open Sun during Holy Week, the whole of July and Sept
Price: $5
Website: www.museodearteetnico.com.ar
Address: 20 de Febrero 838
Proof that the lively Balcarce district is not all about eating and drinking, the new Museo de Arte Étnico Americano Pajcha is a strong contender for the best museum of American ethnic art in the whole country, the result of the lifelong work of Liliana Madrid de Zito Fontán, a local ethnologist. Her magnificent collection is arranged thematically and geographically in seven rooms, each with its own music. Native Argentine art and handicrafts loom large, but there are many outstanding items from all over South America, along with some beautiful photographs. Painting, textiles, religious objects (Christian and pre-Columbian) and wooden articles represent all the main ethnic groups; the silver jewellery crafted by the Mapuche of Chile and Andean ceramics are undoubtedly the highlights. There is also a fine example of a pajcha, an Inca offering tray with several compartments, looking not unlike an ancient muffin-mould. A selection of contemporary crafts is on sale at the reception, and there's also an excellent café on site.