#Mayan Frieze #NMMA #Repatriation

National Museum of Mexican Art Enables Return of Ancient Mayan Frieze

The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) is making headlines as it collaborates with the Government of Mexico to facilitate the repatriation of a significant Mayan frieze back to its place of origin. This initiative marks a profound commitment to restoring cultural heritage and acknowledges the importance of returning artifacts that hold historical significance for their respective cultures.

Press Conference Details

On May 16, 2025, a press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. CDT at the NMMA located in Chicago, where officials will address the details surrounding the transfer of the ancient artifact. The conference will include the attendance of various esteemed guests, including Anthropologist Diego Prieto Hernández, who serves as the Director General of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico. He will be receiving the frieze after it undergoes a standard examination to ensure its condition.

The Artifact

This limestone frieze dates back to a remarkable period in Maya civilization between 500-900 CE, illustrating the rich history and cultural practices of the Maya people. Measuring 119x53x9.5 cm (47"x 21"x 4"), it depicts a figure wearing a complex mask and headdress, appearing to speak with outstretched hands. Originally, the frieze featured two figures facing each other. Over the years, the artifact has had a tumultuous journey; it was once displayed at notable institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago before being held in a private collection.

In 2024, the family of Jeanne and Joseph Sullivan, who had acquired the piece in 1988, approached the NMMA for assistance in returning it to its native land.

Collaborative Efforts for Cultural Preservation

The NMMA and INAH signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 1, 2025, affirming their ongoing collaboration to promote Mexico’s rich cultural heritage through various projects and exhibitions. The Visual Arts Department at NMMA played a pivotal role in coordinating a seamless transfer of the Mayan frieze, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship over cultural artifacts.

Institutions like INAH, founded in 1939, work tirelessly to protect and preserve Mexico's archaeological and anthropological treasures to foster identity and memory within the society that cherishes them. Diego Prieto has noted that this act is vital for the Mexican Government in reclaiming its archaeological heritage that is currently held elsewhere.

A Call for Respectful Dialogue Between Cultures

Cesáreo Moreno, the Visual Arts Director at NMMA, emphasized the importance of recognizing the vital role cultural heritage plays in community identity. “By acknowledging the significance of cultural heritage, we can deepen our understanding of humanity as a whole,