The navigator statue was removed in October 2020 for renovation. The decision to replace it represents in particular an act of “Social justice” by the mayor of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.
It’s a highly symbolic decision. Mexican authorities confirmed on Monday, September 6, that a statue of Italian explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus will be replaced by that of an indigenous woman. “The sculpture will be transferred to a safe, dignified and suitable place”, said the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in a press release.
In its place will be placed a sculpture of “Olmec woman” made by Mexican artist Pedro Reyes, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said at a public event that coincided with the celebration of International Indigenous Women’s Day on Sunday. “It is precisely the indigenous women who have perhaps had the greatest weight in the history of Mexico and who have been the least recognized”, she said.
The decision also represents an act of “Social justice”, added the politician, as well as the recognition of 500 years of “indigenous resistance” since the conquest.
Authorities removed it in October 2020 to be “assisted by personnel specialized in conservation and restoration”. But instead of putting it in the same place, it will be sent to another district of the capital to avoid “the risks for this piece of important artistic and historical value”, said INAH.