Maya Communities Protest INAH Over Archaeological Destruction

MÉRIDA, MX — More than a hundred people from at least eight Maya communities demonstrated this Saturday at the Chichén Itzá archaeological zone to protest against the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), which they accused of omitting its constitutional obligation to protect, conserve, and recover the archaeological heritage of indigenous peoples.

The protesters stated that, far from fulfilling its function, INAH has permitted, and in some cases endorsed, the devastation of archaeological remains of high historical, cultural, and spiritual value, particularly in communities in the western and central parts of the state.

Destruction in Kinchil

One of the main complaints focused on the destruction of remains at the Tzemé archaeological site, located in the municipality of Kinchil, where a poultry company carried out construction work just 700 meters from the main pyramid. According to the complainants, INAH limited itself to placing a suspension seal without taking effective actions to halt the work or prevent damage.

They even pointed out that in a report presented by the institute itself within the amparo lawsuit filed by the Kinchil Community Council, INAH acknowledged having granted its approval for the work and denied the existence of archaeological remains in the area. Currently, the institution claims it is conducting an internal investigation regarding that approval.

Complaints from Santa María Chi

Another complaint raised during the protest corresponds to the community of Santa María Chi, where residents stated that a farm destroyed foundations and archaeological remains located in the locality of San Nicolás, belonging to Santa María Chí and Tixkokob. In this case, they again accused INAH of omitting rescue and protection actions, arguing that these remains were allegedly destroyed approximately two decades ago.

Participants in the demonstration included people from Dzitnup, Ixil, Kinchil, Molas, Santa María Chí, Sisal, Caucel, and Yaxkukul. As a symbolic act, they placed a funeral wreath at the entrance of Chichén Itzá to represent the “mourning” for the loss of archaeological heritage.

“We are in mourning for the destruction of Tzemé. INAH has allowed this devastation and has done nothing to ensure the conservation of places that our community has cared for for generations,” said Federico May, a member of the Kinchil Community Council.

Organized Protest and Follow-up

The protest was organized by the community councils of Dzitnup, Ixil, Kinchil, Molas, Santa María Chi, and Sisal, as well as by the municipal commissioners of Dzitnup and Santa María Chí. After the mobilization, the communities held a meeting in Dzitnup to agree on joint actions and strengthen the coordination of their struggles in defense of territory, collective rights, and Maya cultural heritage.