Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office: Four of his ribs were broken
Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office: Marwan al-Barghouti lost consciousness after a brutal assault by Israeli occupation soldiers
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip have not stopped, and just a short while ago, fishermen came under fire from boats
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces carry out a large explosion in the eastern neighborhood of the town of Mays al-Jabal in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media: Israeli political leadership decides to open Rafah crossing “as planned” and transfer aid to Gaza Strip.
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh

Homecoming of looted legacy: Ancient Maya skull repatriated to Mexico

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 22 Jul 2023 12:39
2 Min Read

The relief carving is thought to have been part of a wall, where stacked carvings evoked a Tzompantli, a ceremonial skull rack used for displaying the skulls of sacrificial victims and prisoners of war.

  • x
  • Ancient Maya skull relief repatriated to Mexico
    A Maya skull relief carving was found in a German antique shop. (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores)

In a significant moment for cultural heritage preservation, an ancient Maya relief sculpture was recently repatriated to Mexico after it was identified in a German antique shop. Believed to have been looted from Mexico, the artifact depicts a profile of a skull and is a remarkable representation of Mesoamerican history.

The relief carving is thought to have been part of a wall, where stacked carvings evoked a Tzompantli, a ceremonial skull rack used for displaying the skulls of sacrificial victims and prisoners of war. Its creation is estimated to have taken place during the Late Classic or Postclassical Mesoamerican periods between 750 and 1244 CE. The similarities it shares with objects from the renowned Mayan city of Chichén Itzá further highlight its cultural significance.

Related News

Germany urged to adopt ‘Africa shift’ due to raw material dependencies

Pro-Palestine rallies take over Europe despite Gaza ceasefire

Last Tuesday marked the return of this precious archaeological piece, facilitated through the Mexican consulate in Frankfurt. The repatriation represents the success of the Mexican government's legal efforts, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry’s legal team, to reclaim the country's cultural heritage abroad. It also signifies Mexico's ongoing dedication to combatting the trafficking of cultural assets and fostering international cooperation for preserving the historical legacy of nations.

This repatriation is part of a broader campaign undertaken by Mexico to recover unlawfully trafficked and culturally significant artifacts. Over the past year, the country has welcomed the return of various treasures, including a 2,500-year-old Olmec statue, 65 pre-Hispanic artifacts, and a U-shaped stone trophy.

To showcase and preserve such invaluable objects found at Chichén Itzá and throughout the region, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) is presently constructing a new museum. The forthcoming museum aims to be a testament to Mexico's rich cultural heritage and a platform for educating visitors about the ancient Maya civilization.

Read next: US repatriates looted, 'most sought' ancient Olmec sculpture to Mexico

  • Germany
  • Mexico
  • Looted artifacts
  • Mayan civilization

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
drop site

New report details extensive Israeli arson in Gaza after ceasefire

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
UK extends jet patrols over Poland as NATO builds ‘drone wall’
Politics

UK extends jet patrols over Poland as NATO builds ‘drone wall’

Thousands trapped in El Fasher siege on ‘edge of survival': Report
Politics

Thousands trapped in El-Fasher siege on ‘edge of survival': Report

Trump links aid to Milei’s midterm success, blackmailing Argentinians.
US & Canada

Trump 'extorts' Argentinians, links aid to Milei’s midterm success

Six foreigners barred as US polices speech on Charlie Kirk
Politics

6 foreigners' visas revoked as US polices speech on Charlie Kirk

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS