Mexico appeals against US auction of artefacts

THE Mexican government has said it will take legal measures to try to stop a May 18 auction of pre-Hispanic artefacts by Sotheby’s in New York.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History says some of the artefacts are part of Mexico’s cultural heritage, and thus should not be sold.

The institute has appealed to

Interpol to request legal and diplomatic assistance in the case.

The institute did not specify which pieces it wanted returned to Mexico, but the Sotheby’s catalogue for that date includes a serpentine stone carving of an Olmec head, a Mayan stone carving, and a clay pitcher in the form of a waterfowl.

Pre-sale price estimates range up to $70,000 (£49,000).