The repatriation followed efforts by Mexican institutions and civil society, including the Nohivi Ñuu Savi collective, which advocated for the object’s return.
Mexico’s Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, described the recovery as an example of how cooperation between authorities and communities could lead to acts of “historical justice”.
Mexican authorities were formally notified the skull in late 2023, following contact between the Dutch museum and the Mexican Embassy in the Netherlands.
Mexico’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture subsequently became involved, and in December 2024 the Dutch government, through its Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, finalised arrangements for the object’s return.
Photos INAH
The skull arrived in Mexico in May 2025 and was transferred through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to specialists from INAH’s Directorate of Public Registry of Monuments and Archaeological and Historical Zones for safekeeping.
- Scientific Tests Support Pre-Hispanic Origin
Questions surrounding the skull’s authenticity prompted the Dutch museum, working with the French Center for Research and Restoration of Museums, to undertake scientific investigations in 2011 and 2012.
- Researchers Hope to Identify the Person Behind the Mosaic
Scientists say the skull could reveal significantly more about the individual and the society in which he lived. Physical anthropologist Olaf Bello Cardoso, of INAH’s public registry directorate, said further research could include radiocarbon dating and the study of ancient DNA.
- Possible Return to Oaxaca
The next chapter in the skull’s history could take it closer to the region with which its artistic tradition is associated. INAH is in contact with the Yucu Saa Community Museum in Villa de Tututepec, Oaxaca, after the museum expressed an interest in housing and displaying the artefact.
Bautista Valdespino said INAH would provide institutional guidance to ensure that appropriate conservation, security and exhibition conditions were established before any such transfer took place.
