A controversy has erupted in Mexico after museum staff in Guanajuato allegedly mishandled a 19th-century mummy during recent renovations, Mashable reported. The incident occurred at a museum where mummified bodies are on permanent display, overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). These corpses, buried in the early 1800s and unearthed in the 1860s, hold historical significance.
The mishap has ignited a dispute between Mexico’s federal archaeology agency and the state government of Guanajuato regarding the handling of the country’s mummified remains. INAH criticized the museum’s handling of the situation, citing improper protocols and lack of staff training. The institute demanded accountability for the permits and procedures followed during the renovations.
Preserved by unintentional mummification in a dry, mineral-rich soil environment, the corpses retain leathery skin, hair, and even clothing. INAH, asserting jurisdiction over the mummies as “national patrimony,” seeks greater involvement in their care and display. Meanwhile, Guanajuato considers them a tourist attraction.
The mishandling underscores the delicate nature of preserving historical artifacts and the importance of proper training and protocols in museum management.
