HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM 
"Aztec," the Mixtecan-Zapotecan, the Tarascan, the Totonacan, and 
the South Central American. 
The gifts of the Duke of Loubat include casts of prehistoric sculptures 
from the Valley of Mexico, Chiapas, Yucatan, Guatemala, and Hon- 
duras; pottery and other antiques from Mexico and Guatemala; 
reproduction of books of ancient Mexican picture writing and hiero- 
glyphics, among them a photographic copy of the "Codex Legislatif," 
an ancient Aztec book preserved in the Library of the Chamber of 
Deputies, Paris, and heretofore practically inaccessible for reference; 
and the restoration of the Sanctuary of the Temple of the Cross, at 
Palenque, Mexico. 
Among the collections which the Museum has acquired through 
its expeditions and purchases, are terra-cotta figures and stone idols 
from West Central Mexico; original stone sculptures, principally from 
the ruins of Copan, Honduras; pottery vessels, terra-cotta figures, 
sculptured stones, weapons, and ornaments from Mexico and Central 
America, and a collection of copper, gold, and carved jadeite objects 
which surpasses that in any other museum. 
A concession was granted by the Mexican Government early in 
1896 enabling the Museum to establish archaeological research in 
Mexico and Yucatan. By the terms of the contract, the Museum 
was permitted to retain all objects found which were duplicates. 
The explorations under this concession were in charge of Mr. Marshall 
H. Saville, who secured scientific data and exhibition material of great 
importance. The ruins of Mitla were explored, also those of Xoxo 
and Monte Alban in Oaxaca, and Xochicalco in Morelos. The casts 
taken provided the Museum with the splendid series of reproductions, 
made at the expense of the Duke of Loubat, which show the art of 
stone carving and the mythology as illustrated in the sculpture of 
the various cultures. 
The Duke of Loubat maintained an expedition in Mexico during 
1898 and in 1900-3 under the direction of Mr. M. H. Saville. It 
was during this time that the Cruciform Structure Guiaroo, near the 
ruins of Mitla, a model of which is at the Museum, was explored. 
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