Museo Casa del Mendrugo in Puebla, Mexico
La Casa del Mendrugo, housed in an old colonial mansion in Puebla, derives its name from Jesuit alms. In 2010, excavations in its courtyard unearthed a burial site over 2,000 years old. Among the remains were those of "Chuchita," a woman who lived approximately 3,500 years ago. This discovery led to the creation of a small museum on the first floor. A significant addition to the museum is a collection gifted by Mr. Jorge Roberto Ortiz-Dietz, the last known "amo" from the Oaxacan town of Alteca. The amos, chosen in childhood and possessing deformed skulls, governed and performed rituals in Alteca. Upon death, their skulls were carved with obsidian to depict life scenes and kept for ritual purposes. Ortiz-Dietz, who moved to Puebla and became a notary, donated these carved skulls and bones to the museum before his death. The museum also showcases exquisite ancestral Talavera pottery, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage. Local artisans continue to produce this distinctive craft, a hallmark of Puebla. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Poblano cuisine at the on-site restaurant, alongside a gift shop and coffee shop.