The University Museum reopened its doors on Feb. 27 with its first exhibition since 2022. Curated by Sabrina Gonzalez, the exhibition, titled “Corn Mother,” explores the cultural and symbolic importance of corn in Indigenous communities, particularly in the Southwest.
“As I was creating the concept for the exhibit, I wanted to kind of show this very deep relationship between different Indigenous cultures here in the southwest and their relationships to corn,” Gonzalez said. “Because corn is more than just a food… she’s a relative. She’s a part of life, and she’s a life-giver, like mothers and so that’s really like the concept and the whole design, and the reason why.”
Gonzalez said her exhibition was split up into six different sections. These six sections include culinary, processing, social traditions, oral traditions, rituals, and contemporary use. Each section highlights how corn plays a role in both historical and modern contexts.
“So those are the main themes, but the main idea is to kind of get across to people that corn is more than just a food,” Gonzalez said.
The exhibition shows a diverse array of artifacts, including traditional tools used for corn processing, ceremonial items, and contemporary pieces that reflect the ongoing cultural relevance of corn. These displays invite guests to engage more deeply with the content, allowing them to hear oral histories and stories from indigenous communities about their relationship with corn.
Gonzalez said she hopes visitors will leave with a greater understanding of the cultural significance of corn and be inspired to spread this knowledge.
“I hope that they learn that this relationship is very deep and significant,” Gonzalez said. “That’s kind of my main takeaway. And when people view the objects that I have on display, I want them to look at those things and maybe relate them to their lives.”
As accompaniments to the exhibition, the museum also provided corn-focused snacks such as popcorn, tortilla chips along with corn salsa and delicious baked goods.
The reopening of the University Museum with Corn Mother marks a significant milestone in reconnecting the public with important cultural narratives.
“[The reopening] is a significant occasion, offering a great opportunity to reconnect the public with vital cultural narratives that have shaped and continue to shape indigenous communities,” said Samantha Nava, a former anthropology major at NMSU. “This exhibit serves as a reminder of the deep cultural ties we share with the land and its traditions.”
By shedding light on the profound relationship between indigenous communities and corn, the exhibition not only preserves these stories but also encourages future generations to recognize and honor these enduring traditions.
As the “Corn Mother” exhibition continues to resonate with visitors, Dolores Melchor, a member of the museum, shared her reflections on the transformation of the space. Having witnessed the development of the exhibition from its early stages, Melchor highlighted the immersive aspects of the display, particularly the painted corn stalks, which made the theme come alive for visitors.
“I’ve seen the development of the exhibition from when we closed back in 2023 and like, all the walls were white to like today. And I think one of the things that kind of like stuck out to me the most were all the corn stalks that are painted. It makes it feel like you’re really immersed in the theme of the exhibit,” Melchor said.
