A Journey Through Mexican Agrobiodiversity: Discovering the Role of Everyday Objects in Our Lives

The exhibition “Daily Life: The Importance of Mexican Agrobiodiversity” is set to open today at 12 noon in the Dahlia forum of the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology (IB) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. This exhibition highlights the significance of objects of agricultural diversity in everyday life, showcasing items that were once essential for daily tasks but are now appreciated as crafts or decorations.

Visitors can see over 400 pieces that played a role in people’s daily lives, such as an Ixtle shirgo cape made from the leaves of Yucca filifera, a mule suadero protector for pack animals, and a unique honey box. The exhibition also features a coffee pulper, indigenous emperor chairs, and fishermen’s traps with clever designs.

The purpose of this exhibition is to broaden the perspective on agrobiodiversity beyond staples like corn, beans, and pumpkin. It aims to showcase how agricultural diversity influences various aspects of life, from clothing and tools to food and healing practices. The exhibition includes a section dedicated to jewelry made from natural materials like flowers, corn, and palm, as well as basketry, huipils, and medicinal plants.

Through these items’ assembly, visitors can reflect on the use of natural resources and the impact of industrialization on the environment. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional practices and natural elements to avoid pollution and excessive use of plastics. By exploring these items, visitors can connect with nature and appreciate the ingenuity of utilizing natural resources for everyday products.

This exhibition was curated with expertise from ethnobotanist Leonardo Beltrán Rodríguez and Salma Gómez Ibarra from the educational area of the Institute of Biology. Visitors are invited to explore Mexican agrobiodiversity’s rich history and essential role it plays in everyday life.