Shocking Neglect: Maya Collection Destroyed for Train Build

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has reportedly permitted the destruction of numerous buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites in the course of the Maya Train construction. This is according to Bolfy Efraín Cottom Ulin, the General Coordinator of the Permanent Seminar of Cultural Heritage Research: Anthropology, History, and Legislation.

He highlighted that the project involves archaeologists conducting methodological explorations along the 1,554-kilometer route, overseen by the Institute. However, he was surprised to find that heavy machinery followed the archaeologists, demolishing the already excavated sites and other unexplored buildings.

Cottom Ulin questioned the whereabouts of the thousands of artifacts that INAH had cataloged. He noted that archaeologists often provide data when they clear a site, and he has observed trucks transporting archaeological stone.

Furthermore, he mentioned that community members with ejido lands containing archaeological monuments have been destroying them and selling the stone for the Maya Train's construction. This is something that INAH has allowed, despite having the power to take legal action against those who damage cultural heritage.

He also pointed out that the machinery used to drill caves for pile placement is damaging 10,000-year-old subsoil, ancient human remains, and prehistoric fauna. This activity is altering the surface and the archaeological and paleontological heritage, making future study nearly impossible.

In the Maya region, researchers have discovered that stalagmites can provide insight into why the Mayan culture disappeared 2,000 years ago. However, this information is now at risk due to the ongoing construction activities.

Cottom Ulin suggests that those responsible should be held accountable and punished accordingly, including repairing the damage caused. He also proposed the establishment of archaeological museums in Mayan communities to display the discovered artifacts.

According to Diego Prieto Hernández, the General Director of INAH, the Maya Train project has so far resulted in the recovery of 43,000 archaeological remains, 791,475 ceramic fragments being analyzed, and 1,746 relatively intact movable goods. In Section 7 of the train route, INAH archaeologists have discovered 9,699 Pre-Cortesian monuments, making it the area with the highest number of records.