Archaeologist Eduardo Matos Moctezuma Criticizes Government Neglect of Cultural Heritage

Mexico City — Renowned Mexican archaeologist Eduardo Matos Moctezuma has sharply criticized the federal government’s lack of interest in science and culture, accusing officials of budget cuts, censorship, and negligence in protecting the country’s archaeological heritage.

Speaking at the Cultural Heritage Seminar coordinated by anthropologist Bolfy Cottom at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Matos said that since the change of government in 2018, funding for cultural and scientific institutions has been slashed by up to 50 percent. He cited cuts to the Mexican Academy of History, the Mexican Academy of Language, El Colegio Nacional, INAH, and the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL).

Meanwhile, Matos noted, major federal projects such as the Maya Train went ahead despite warnings from experts about irreversible damage to the environment, local communities, and archaeological sites. “The Maya Train had repercussions in our field, but it even transcended internationally,” he said. “Voices of dissent were heard, and they had a significant impact when they opposed what other archaeologists were doing.”

Matos also criticized the creation of the so-called Memory Parks, calling their construction method invalid in archaeology. He referenced colleagues Noemí Castillo, Jorge Ángulo, and Sergio Gómez, who presented evidence contradicting official claims that everything was proceeding well.

He questioned the role of INAH’s Archaeology Council, which he said is endorsing questionable practices. “The council approves or rejects national and foreign research projects,” he said.

Cottom, who has coordinated the seminar for 24 years, revealed that a department within the Culture Ministry tried to censor Matos’s participation. “They tried to prevent the dissemination of this session until the last moment,” Cottom said. “Why the fear of dialogue and discussion? It attacks freedom of expression.”

Cottom also highlighted urgent issues such as the destruction of heritage at Teotihuacán due to lack of intervention, the absence of policies to strengthen INAH and the cultural sector, and the precarious situation of young professionals who are treated as contractors and even required to post bonds to be hired.

Matos, winner of the 2022 Princess of Asturias Award, recalled raising his voice in 2021 when officials claimed Tenochtitlán was founded in 1321 without documentary evidence. “It can be said that things are not going well,” he said. “We must make these issues known because now they seem to want to interfere with our way of thinking, to silence us. But they will not silence us.”

He quoted his own words from the award ceremony in Oviedo: “Ignorance is a bad counselor, and it usually leads to lies.”