Mexico has condemned the upcoming sale of pre-Columbian artifacts at the French auction house Millon, stating that the sale violates international laws and the ethical principles governing the protection of cultural heritage. The Mexican embassy in Paris has requested that the French authorities cancel the sale and repatriate the artifacts to their country of origin.

The auction, scheduled for 30 March, features 33 pre-Columbian objects, including figurines and masks from various Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Maya, Teotihuacan, and Aztec civilizations. Mexican officials have argued that the objects are part of their cultural heritage and were likely obtained illegally, given that Mexico has strict laws prohibiting the sale and export of pre-Columbian artifacts.

In a statement released on Friday, the Mexican government reiterated its commitment to protecting its cultural heritage and called on the international community to join its efforts in preventing the trafficking of cultural objects. The statement also expressed the hope that the French authorities would recognize the cultural and historical significance of the objects and act accordingly.

The sale of pre-Columbian artifacts has long been a contentious issue, with many countries, including Mexico, arguing that such sales perpetuate a colonialist mentality and contribute to the destruction of cultural heritage. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of repatriation, with museums and auction houses returning objects to their countries of origin.