Ethnographic Museum of Pontifical Missionary Work

Medrano 735
Tel. 862-4136 / 4863-1357
Open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.,
and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Does not close on holidays

In this Museum, the social and religious life of peoples from the African and Asian continents are reflected through an interesting collection gathered as a result of missionary work in these regions. The fact that the material exhibited is pure craftwork is remarkable. There are pots for ointments and oils Zulu stoves for funerary rites; handicrafts; pottery; wickerwork; weapons and utensils, tools and musical instruments. Amongst the numerous carvings there is one that stands out representing Jesus Christ with African features.
From another continent, Chinese allegories rivalise with small sculptures from Brahmanic India and animals carved in Asia. Pots, jugs, bowls, bracelets, vases, censers, and ornamental plates are exhibited beside Hindu ritual masks, as well as sundry objects from Cambodia, Thailand, Burma Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
There are also interesting ivory carvings, Candelabra, lions, elephants, and a Virgin Mary with Asian features are exhibited beside a huge Chinese ceramic censer small Japanese sculptures, and Egyptian incense burners and masks. The environment of missionary work is documented through enormous photographic panels depicting the people and customs of these remote lands.