Paris, 2 May 2011
The Mayan god sold for €2,912,000 in March at Drouot by auction house Binoche et Giquello is authentic, according to an expert report.
The Mexican authorities – the Mexican Minstry of Foreign Affairs and the National Institute of Anthropology and History – have cast doubt on the authenticity of the “seated divinity”, sold in Paris at Drouot on 21 March 2011. These accusations were made at a critical moment in the two countries’ diplomatic relations, following the incarceration of Frenchwomen Florence Cassez, convicted in Mexico of belonging to a kidnapping gang, and the Année Mexique (Year of Mexico) in France.
A French mycroanalysis laboratory that specializes in cultural heritage pieces, has confirmed that the statuette dates from the Classic period of Maya civilization, between 500 and 950 CE. This confirms the age of the object, but not necessarily its artistic style.
The Mexican authorities claim that the leather straps attached to the shoes as well as the statuette’s bent legs are not characteristic of Mayan art.
The question will be settled once the Mexican authorities have announced whether they accept the expert report.