The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) accuses the Guanajuato city government of mishandling mummified remains during museum renovations, raising questions about preservation protocols and local control over historical artifacts.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has ignited a controversy by accusing the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mishandling a mummified body during museum renovations. During recent work at the museum where the bodies are on permanent display, the arm of one of the mummies was detached.
The situation has escalated into a turf battle between INAH, which claims jurisdiction over the mummies as "national patrimony," and Guanajuato, which views them as a tourist attraction. The state and city are governed by the conservative National Action Party (PAN), which is often at odds with the ruling Morena party at the federal level.
INAH alleges that the museum's collection was moved improperly, resulting in damage to the mummified bodies. The institute suggests that the personnel responsible for the renovations lacked proper training and protocols. However, the Guanajuato city government has not yet commented on the matter.
The preserved corpses were unintentionally mummified due to the dry, mineral-rich soil conditions in Guanajuato's mining environment. They retain hair, skin, and clothing, providing valuable insights into 19th-century life.
The dispute over the mummies highlights the ongoing tension between local control and federal oversight of historical artifacts. Guanajuato asserts its authority over the mummies, which were largely excavated before INAH's establishment in 1939. However, INAH maintains that these remains are part of Mexico's national heritage and should be under its jurisdiction.
In 2023, INAH expressed concerns about a traveling display of mummies, citing potential health risks. Past incidents, such as the removal of General Álvaro Obregón's arm and the destruction of Santa Anna's leg, demonstrate the political sensitivities surrounding the treatment of historical remains in Mexico.
The Guanajuato Mummy Arm controversy raises questions about the preservation and management of historical artifacts, the division of responsibilities between local and federal authorities, and the respect due to the remains of the departed.
