MEL lecture series: Marina Aguirre on the Malinaltepec mask

As part of the Merida English Library lecture series, Marina Aguirre explores facts, the intrigues, and the resolutions about a beautiful piece of pre-Columbian art.

The Malinaltepec mask was found in 1922, in a very small village in Guerrero. Now this mask is one of the most remarkable treasures of the National Museum of Anthropology.

Since its discovery, scholars and authorities denied its authenticity. After an enormous scrutiny, the mask shows its own story.

An archaeologist and ethnohistorian, Marina Aguirre was born in Mexico City. After studying business administration, she worked for the Bank of Mexico for almost four years. During that time, she realized that her real passion was archaeology. She quit her job and moved to Mérida, where she studied archaeology and earned a master’s degree in ethnohistory. She is now close to completing her Doctorate in History.

With this diverse background, Marina is able to provide a complete approach to understand the beauty of Mexico through its archaeology, anthropology and history. Marina is very interested in the local festivals in the indigenous villages and how the local people have expressed their religiosity since Spanish colonization. For the past eight years, she has been sharing with travelers her favorite places in the country.

There is no cost to attend the talk, but donations are appreciated.