I was struck by a few minor details from our last museum visit that I don't think were yet discussed in class. In the Mexico and Central America Hall, one diorama displayed pottery vessel and figurines that were termed either "pre-pottery," "pre-classic," "classic," and "post-classic." How was this even determined? What is the usefulness or the purpose of using primarily variations of "classic" to describe pottery? In the same hall, the pathway went straight without anything in its path until a display case about gold. Was this thought to be of the most interest to people--the value placed on gold and jewerly? I would like to think I'm exaggerating but then I'm not so sure it's without meaning, considering there seems to be an intention behind everything at the museum. I was really impressed by the Guatemala Stelae structures and wondered--how did they transport these huge structures? The plaque says they are 35ft high. I'm assuming they are taken from the native area and in that case, considering part of the readings we read for tomorrow, was that the ethical thing to do? The plaque also admits the difficulty in deciphering Maya writing, so who knows what religious importance they could've had.