A Fragmented History, a Long-Overdue Return

The recent loan of the Codex Azcatitlan to Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology has sparked both celebration and frustration among those who have been fighting for its permanent return from France. This 16th-century manuscript is more than just a historical artifact – it’s a tangible connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Aztec Empire, which was brutally suppressed by Spanish conquistadors.

The loan is being touted as a “first step toward restitution” by Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco. However, this gesture feels more like a calculated attempt to placate Mexican demands while avoiding the real issue: ownership. The fact that these artifacts have been hidden away for so long speaks volumes about the disregard for Indigenous cultures and histories.

The Codex Azcatitlan itself is a remarkable document – a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Aztecs. Written in pictograms, it narrates the migration from Aztlan to Tenochtitlan, depicting scenes of warriors and ritual acts in vivid colors. This manuscript offers a unique window into the lives of the Aztecs, their values, and their struggles.

Mexico’s push for repatriation is not just about recovering cultural artifacts but also about reclaiming its history. Ethnohistorian Karen Trejo observed at the exhibition opening, “If it’s from Mexico, why isn’t it in Mexico?” This question gets to the heart of a much larger issue – the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.

The loan of the Codex Azcatitlan to Mexico City is temporary, but it does little to address the fundamental questions surrounding ownership. France’s National Library has maintained possession of this manuscript for over a century with no clear intention of returning it permanently. Since 2018, only around 16,200 items have been repatriated from various countries, as reported by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.

The theft of the Codex Tonalamatl in 1982 highlights the complexities and tensions involved. The National Assembly and National Library both claim ownership of this and other codices, raising questions about the validity of these claims. The return of the Codex Azcatitlan to Mexico City may be a small step toward healing the wounds of colonialism, but it is only a beginning.

The fight for Indigenous rights and cultural restitution is far from over – it’s a battle that requires ongoing attention and action. By examining our collective past and acknowledging the injustices perpetrated against Indigenous cultures, we can work towards a more equitable future. As Emilia Mendoza of the Hnahnu community astutely pointed out, “They hid our history from us, they stole it!” We must continue to push for the repatriation of cultural artifacts and challenge the notion that these relics belong in foreign institutions.

The return of the Codex Azcatitlan is a reminder that Mexico’s history is not just a collection of artifacts but a living, breathing part of its identity. As we move forward, let us remember the words of Emilia Mendoza: “They hid our history from us, they stole it!” – and work towards reclaiming what is rightfully ours.