Mexican nation claims Codex Borbonicus from France

An indigenous Mexican nation, the Nahñu people in the central Mexican state of Hidalgo, has written to the Assemblée Nationale in France seeking the return of its codex, arguing that the centuries-old manuscript describes traditions it still continues.

Hispanic and colonial times and describing the rites and customs of indigenous peoples, are still very much alive, notably “the lighting of torches, made from cactus, to announce festivals.”

Anthropologists María Angélica Galicia Gordillo and Sergio Sánchez Vázquez have confirmed that these pre-Hispanic practices are described in the document.

Radical-left lawmakers in France have promised to support the request, which has been rejected by Paris in the past.

Thanks to the mediation of radical-left La France Insoumise (LFI) MP Eric Coquerel, doctor Emilia Mendoza Espinoza, a representative of this community, was able to see a copy of the precious codex in Paris, in August 2023.