Mexico points to the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historic Monuments and Zones.
It says archaeological monuments are the property of the Nation.
Courtesy Maison Millon
It also says these items are inalienable and imprescriptible. That status blocks private trade under Mexican law.
Officials say export of such material has been banned since 1827. They argue that overseas listings signal illicit removal. In its message to the auction house, Mexico asked the lots be withdrawn. It also requested steps toward repatriation.
Maison Millon denied accusations that a sale of the pre-Columbian artifacts was illegal and proceeded with an auction and ammassed 1,2 million euro.
Mexico has for years sought to recover artifacts that make up its pre-colonial historical heritage from private collections around the world. Though some governments have agreed to repatriations, many remain the subject of extended disputes.
Among these is the iconic bejeweled headdress said to have belonged to Aztec emperor Moctezuma before he was toppled by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes.
Austria’s Weltmuseum that houses the headdress has said that transporting it would damage its delicate, iridescent green quetzal feathers.
