- The clay artifact dates from between 500 and 700 A.D. Similar objects have been found in Palenque, Chiapas.
- Crystal Orlando, who found the artifact, decided to return it to the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin.
As part of Mexico's efforts to defend the country's historical heritage, the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, Texas reports that it has recovered a pre-Hispanic artifact.
According to the opinion of specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the object is a cylindrical clay incense burner estimated to date from between 500 and 700 A.D. Similar objects have been found in the Palenque Archaeological Zone in Chiapas. The piece is part of Mexico's cultural heritage and is protected by the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic and Historical Monuments and Zones.
On August 20, Consul General Pablo Marentes publicly presented the incense burner to the local media and community members in central Texas at a ceremony in which the artifact was returned by Crystal Orlando, who decided to give it to the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin after finding it in central Texas.
As part of the #MiPatrimonioNoSeVende (My Heritage Is Not for Sale) campaign, the consulate in Austin will continue to help recover Mexico's historical and cultural heritage to ensure that it returns to its place of origin.
The artifact will be repatriated to Mexico in the near future. The Foreign Ministry's Office of Legal Affairs will then deliver it to INAH for its study, analysis and conservation.
The ceremony marking the return of the artifact was carried out simultaneously with the inauguration of a photo exhibit entitled "My blood" by the artist Roj Rodriguez. The photo exhibit will be open to the public at the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin until October 2023.
During the ceremony, the public heard singer Alexandra Dorantes, of Mexican background, who was born in San Marcos, Texas. Additionally, Roy Lozano's folkloric ballet performed dance pieces with typical Mexican costumes. The following community and cultural associations from Mexico in Austin joined this effort: Theater Project, Artestudio Austin and Chac-mol.
