Diego Prieto on Why Community and Popular Culture Belong Together

Mexico City — Anthropologist Diego Prieto, former head of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) until July 16, expressed satisfaction with his tenure while addressing criticisms over archaeological and environmental concerns linked to the Tren Maya project. He also defended the creation of the new Unit for Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage, and Interculturality (Ucuvi), asserting that it does not detract from INAH’s responsibilities.

Transition and the Tren Maya Controversy

In an interview following the inauguration of the 9th National Indigenous Languages Fair at the National Museum of Popular Cultures, Prieto reflected on his departure from INAH amid ongoing cataloging and museum projects tied to the Tren Maya. He stated:

“The most critical work in this area is already done. Of course, there remains a long task of analysis and systematization involving hundreds of thousands of objects and tens of thousands of registered structures. However, INAH’s structure remains intact. I’m not an archaeologist, so this isn’t my professional focus.”

Prieto emphasized that his exit was not abrupt, having been discussed during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s transition period. He noted that the 2025 budget, initially deemed insufficient, was later increased by 1.5 billion pesos.

His departure was marked by an event attended by academics and former INAH director María Teresa Franco. Prieto announced his move to establish Ucuvi, introducing his successor, anthropologist Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera, previously head of INAH’s Oaxaca center.

The Tren Maya project has faced criticism, notably from archaeologist Fernando Cortés de Brasdefer, who labeled it “the most destructive cultural project of the 21st century.” Prieto responded:

“Some colleagues disagree, but INAH encourages open debate. These criticisms are value judgments, often tied to environmental concerns, which aren’t INAH’s primary focus. Archaeologically, we’ve received praise, even from UNESCO, for our salvage efforts.”

Ucuvi: A Tribute to Guillermo Bonfil Batalla

Prieto revealed that Ucuvi’s foundation draws from the work of anthropologist Guillermo Bonfil Batalla (1935–1991), who championed popular culture and founded the National Museum of Popular Cultures. The new unit will consolidate two divisions:

1. Technical and Research Directorate for Popular Cultures – Focused on community-based research and programs like PACMyC (Support Program for Municipal and Community Cultures).
2. Territorial Action and Community Promotion Directorate – Aimed at grassroots cultural initiatives.

Prieto acknowledged that Ucuvi’s full operation hinges on approval from Mexico’s Finance Ministry, with an estimated budget of 850 million pesos by 2026.

Pushback from INAH Researchers

A late July letter from INAH researchers criticized Ucuvi’s creation, calling it a “divided vision of cultural heritage” and lamenting budget constraints. The letter, addressed to the Culture Ministry, argued:

“We defend 50 years of research alongside Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and rural communities. This policy risks fragmenting the integral nature of culture by separating material and intangible heritage.”

Prieto countered:

“These functions aren’t new—Culturas Populares has handled them for decades. INAH focuses on research, not community promotion. Ucuvi won’t replace INAH’s role in UNESCO declarations but will collaborate on living heritage.”

He stressed that Ucuvi’s budget would not compete with INAH’s 6.5 billion pesos for 2025, adding:

“Let’s not pit researchers against community promoters. Their salaries reflect different priorities.”

Future Collaborations

Prieto confirmed plans for a technical advisory council involving INAH, the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBAL), and other agencies to guide Ucuvi’s work. He reiterated that the unit aims to unify cultural efforts, correcting what he called the “mistake” of separating community and popular culture under the previous administration.