MUSEO NACIONAL DE ANTROPOLOGÍA DR. DAVID J. GUZMÁN (MUNA)

Founded in 1883, the museum has five halls, plus another dedicated to exhibitions. Each room shows three different cultural eras: pre-Columbian, colonial and contemporary. This delightful museum is a must-see in El Salvador, and we highly recommend it.

Introductory room. This room introduces and explains the concept of anthropology (the study of human beings in terms of their past, present and future projections, including their relationship with the surrounding natural environment). One of its aims is to highlight the concepts of cultural heritage and national identity.

Human settlement room. This room shows the first human settlements in El Salvador (sedentarization, development, social organization of pre-Columbian cultures). The arrival of the Spanish conquerors is also presented, along with its upheavals (social, cultural and economic changes).

Agriculture room. This room illustrates the different farming techniques and implements that have existed throughout the country over time, as well as the main agricultural products and different diets. The main products exploited during the colonial era are presented: cocoa,añil (indigo) and bálsamo (an ointment also known as Peruvian balsam). From the contemporary (post-colonial) era, new techniques are presented, and above all the importance of corn and other crops such as coffee and cotton.

Hall of Religions. This room shows the cosmic vision that the natives had of their gods, and the mysticism associated with human sacrifice and death. The colonial era saw the arrival of Catholicism and its many manifestations. The contemporary period highlights the importance of religious diversity, freedom of worship and religious tolerance in El Salvador.

Pre-Columbian America room. The Pre-Columbian America room showcases some of the world's major ancient cultures. The room is divided into three main cultural zones: South American, Mesoamerican and North American. All the pieces on display are copies donated by Peru, Mexico and the United States. Peruvian pieces include the Paracas mummy and Inca replicas such as Chavín, Moche, Tiahuanako, Chimu..

Mesoamerican pieces include Aztec, Zapotec and Mayan replicas.