VILLAHERMOSA.- Stepping into the past, visitors to Villahermosa can now explore the everyday life of the city through a captivating exhibition featuring 15 historical objects from the 19th and 20th centuries. Curated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), this collection was uncovered during the 2022 archaeological rescue operations along the Carlos A. Madrazo waterfront.
The River People in Flood Time tells the astonishing story of how the people of nineteenth-century Tabasco, Mexico, overcame impossible odds to expel foreign interventions.
Villahermosa, 150 Years of History officially opened its doors in the lobby of the Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport on December 20, 2024. Since its opening, the exhibition has provided an engaging glimpse into Villahermosa’s social and cultural evolution and will remain on display until March 31, 2025, free of charge for all visitors.
The archaeological efforts, part of the project “Construction of the Linear Park on the Grijalva River, Left Bank. Stage 4,” were conducted near Cine Sheba and along Constitution Avenue, February 27th Avenue, Francisco I. Madero Avenue, Carlos A. Madrazo Boulevard, and Vázquez Norte Boulevard. These excavations unearthed a variety of ceramics and glass items that were used by Villahermosa’s residents in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
José Luis Romero Rivera, the lead archaeologist, explained that the collection includes fragments of bottles, mosaics, plates, and vessels adorned with intricate designs of landscapes, plants, and flowers. These artifacts offer a window into the daily lives and aesthetic preferences of the people who once lived in the area.
One notable technique showcased in the pottery is the decorated rim, where feathers or fringes were added to the edges of objects. Originating in the United States, this method gained popularity in the 18th century and adds a distinctive touch to the pieces. Another technique featured is calcography, involving the application of small dots and lines using an inked copper plate and finely engraved paper. Additionally, some items display hand-painting, a method that emerged in England between 1750 and 1786, characterized by vibrant floral designs.
The exhibition also highlights Villahermosa’s international connections through the origins of the objects. Stamps from British manufacturers like Baker & Co Fenton Staffordshire and J. Vieillard & Cie Bordeaux indicate that these items were produced in Europe before making their way to Mexico. The presence of Mexican stamps from companies such as J. Olliver further illustrates the blend of local and foreign influences in the region’s material culture.
Glass containers on display reveal the practical uses of this material in Tabasco during that era. Early 19th-century pharmaceutical bottles and drugstore containers, used to hold syrups and tonics, reflect the medical practices of the time. Additionally, glass bottles for sodas and alcoholic beverages, primarily imported from the United States, showcase the region’s trade connections.
A standout piece in the collection is the Hemingray-42 insulator, produced in the United States between 1921 and 1960. This object played a crucial role in telegraphy, preventing direct contact between cables and telegraph poles while facilitating signal transmission.
These artifacts underscore the strategic importance of Tabasco’s location, where the meeting of the Usumacinta and Grijalva rivers enabled interactions between diverse populations. This connectivity not only fostered cultural exchanges but also facilitated the import and export of a wide range of goods, tools, and products, enriching Villahermosa’s local heritage.
Since its opening, Villahermosa, 150 Years of History has attracted numerous visitors, offering both locals and travelers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the city’s rich past. Whether passing through the airport or visiting the exhibition space, attendees have been invited to appreciate the historical narratives that have shaped Villahermosa into the vibrant community it is today.
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