The Belgian auction of three archaeological works, defined as Mexican heritage, was suspended at the request of the Embassy of Mexico in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Secretariat of Culture.
The parts to be sold were figures of scale, made of clay, imitated in the state of Colima (west).
In a joint statement by the two agencies, “the auction house Carlo Bonte decided to withdraw from the auction three pieces he was going to sell, and which were defined as Mexican property.”
The Belgian authorities also warned that the parts could not be sold until the owner submits the corresponding export certificate.
According to Mexican law, all archaeological works are considered a national heritage and its commercialization is prohibited.
The Mexican government is actively campaigning in Europe and the United States to identify archaeological works sold by various galleries.
In recent months, Mexico has suspended auctions in Italy, and in February they returned to the Mexican Embassy 17 archaeological works belonging to two Dutch men for 30 years.
Last week, the auction of rock figures that appeared in the catalog of the Austrian company was suspended.
However, Mexico's efforts were not enough to suspend the auction on January 28 about 30 points in the Milon Gallery in France.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador calls the auction of archaeological works “immoral” and calls them to ban around the world.
He also criticized Austria, which for centuries had Aztec feathers (the crown of feathers) are believed to belong to the Aztec Emperor Moktezumi (1502-1520) and that other Mexican governments tried to restore it to the exhibition or at least bring it to the country.
The Mexican government said about 6,000 archaeological works were restored, which were illegally seized.
no/southern/atm