Robo en el Museo Nacional de México: La historia del saqueo hormiga de Porfirio Aguirre

Abstract

This work examines the systematic theft of hundreds of pre-Columbian artifacts from Mexico’s National Museum, carried out between 1910 and 1934 by Porfirio Aguirre, who worked at the institution for over three decades. Throughout his career, Aguirre held various positions, including student, assistant of archaeology, archaeological inspector, and professor of languages. However, behind this seemingly exemplary career lies a grave transgression: the theft of valuable pieces of Mexico’s cultural heritage. The article presents documentary evidence linking Aguirre to the sale of hundreds of artifacts to private collectors and museums, primarily in the United States. Much of this cultural heritage remains unrecovered to this day, despite the existence of national and international policies for the restitution of unethically collected objects. This case highlights the power struggles between the authorities of the National Museum and the nascent Department of Archaeology within the Ministry of Education, underscoring a context of corruption that, according to the documents presented here, reveals personal interests taking precedence over the protection of national heritage.