Mixtec skull repatriated to Mexico from Netherlands

A pre-Hispanic Mixtec skull, decorated with an intricate turquoise mosaic, has been repatriated to Mexico after spending 60 years in the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, Netherlands. The return was the result of joint efforts between the Mexican Secretariat of Culture, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), and the civil society collective Nohivi Ñuu Savi.

Archaeological assessments indicate the remains belong to a male between 25 and 40 years old, dating from between 1200 and 1521 AD. The piece originates from the Mixtec region, specifically areas within the modern states of Puebla and Oaxaca. The skull features a distinctive snake iconography inlaid on the frontal bone using a refined technique.

Following its arrival in Mexico in May 2025, the artifact was placed under the protection of INAH. Specialists have already created a 3D model of the piece for the Public Registry of Monuments. Future research plans include radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA studies. The Yucu Saa Community Museum in Oaxaca has expressed interest in permanently housing and exhibiting the cultural asset in its territory of origin.