Mummified Mystery: Mexican Archaeological Institute Accuses Guanajuato of Mishandling Preserved Bodies

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has accused the city of Guanajuato of mishandling a mummified body during museum renovations, alleging that the arm of one of the mummies was detached during recent work.

The recent incident in Guanajuato, Mexico, has sparked a heated dispute between the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the city's conservative government. The bone of contention is the mishandling of one of the municipality's famous 19th century mummified bodies, which INAH alleges suffered damage during museum renovations.

According to INAH, the arm of one of the mummies was detached during the renovations, raising concerns about the proper treatment of these preserved corpses. The institute insists that it has jurisdiction over the mummies, considering them "national patrimony," while Guanajuato views them as a valuable tourist attraction.

The dispute appears to stem from a lack of cooperation between INAH and Guanajuato, which is governed by the National Action Party (PAN), a political rival of the Morena party that holds power at the federal level. INAH has accused the city of failing to follow proper protocols and lacking trained personnel in handling the mummified remains.

The approximately 100 mummies in Guanajuato's possession were unintentionally mummified when they were buried in crypts in the mineral-rich soil of the region, resulting in their preserved state with hair, skin, and clothing intact. However, due to their excavation before the establishment of INAH in 1939, they remain under local control, a source of frustration for federal officials.

In 2023, INAH raised concerns over a traveling display of the mummies, alleging potential health risks due to suspected fungal growths on one of the bodies. This incident further highlighted the tensions between the institute and the city.

The mishandling of the mummified remains is not the first time a severed body part has become a matter of national controversy in Mexico. In 1989, the government faced criticism for removing the amputated arm of revolutionary General Álvaro Obregón, which had been on display in a jar of formaldehyde for decades.

Similarly, in 1844, an enraged mob desecrated the buried leg of former president Antonio López de Santa Anna, who had lost the limb in battle. The incident underscored the volatile relationship between history, political rivalries, and the preservation of national heritage.

As the dispute between INAH and Guanajuato continues, the question of who has rightful authority over these historical remains remains unanswered. The incident has sparked a debate about the importance of proper conservation and respect for the dead, while highlighting the complex interplay of politics and cultural heritage in Mexico.