The earth monster, an Olmec figure extracted from Mexican territory in the middle of the last century and one of the most sought-after pieces in Mexico, is in the final stages of being returned from the United States, explained the director general of the National Institute of Anthropology and History ( INAH), Diego Prieto Hernandez.
Also, during the morning, he added that the Moctezuma plume is an integral object of Mexican heritage “and it should be here.” However, you said that steps were taken, but there was a refusal.
“The Mexican government will not settle conflicts with sister states for these reasons,” he concluded. “We know that what underlies it is a different legal vision,” she added.
Diego Prieto announced that INAH specialists have traveled to the United States to examine the state of conservation of the Olmec piece and define the mechanism so that it can be packed and transported to Mexico.
The monster of the earth, officially known as the historical Monument 9 of the archaeological zone of Chalcatzingo, in Morelos, was extracted from that site in the last century.
The sculpture is approximately 2,500 years old and appears to represent a mythological cave. Archaeologists consider it unique in both form and iconography. A replica of the piece is currently in the National Museum of Anthropology.
To date, they have been found in more than 40 monuments in Chalcatzingo, located in the Amatzinac River valley in Morelos. The 14 cities of Tlalnahua inhabited the area. According to INAH, it is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in the central highlands, due to its strategic position on trade routes.
According to Prieto Hernández, New York authorities have already secured the statuette and the final steps are underway to hand over the Olmec figure, which weighs more than a ton and was likely used to perform initiation rituals.
Finally, he stressed that over 11,000 archaeological assets have been returned in the current administration. Likewise, he reiterated that the trade in archaeological goods is illegal, as is their export.
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