PAPANTLA.- The vibrant colors and intricate stories painted on the walls of El Tajín’s Building I are slowly returning to life, thanks to the tireless efforts of a team of restorers and the support of the local community. The ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered significant damage in 2021 from Hurricane Grace and again in 2022 from a devastating fire. But like the resilient cultures that built this remarkable place, the murals are being painstakingly brought back from the brink.


Unlock the secrets of El Tajín's ancient art. Dive into Rex Koontz's "Lightning Gods and Feathered Serpents" and explore the fascinating world of Mesoamerican sculpture.


Imagine the scene: a team of 25 people, a mix of seasoned professionals and local residents, carefully brushing away soot, stabilizing crumbling fragments, and piecing together a fragile history. Led by the dedicated restorer Dulce María Grimaldi Sierra, this diverse group is working to save what remains of these precious cultural treasures.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the damage,” says Grimaldi Sierra, her voice tinged with both sadness and determination. “We lost about 40% of the original paint. But we’re focused on preserving what’s left and ensuring these murals survive for generations to come.”

The team’s work is a delicate dance between science and art. They use specialized synthetic materials to control moisture and prevent salt crystallization, a process that can further damage the fragile paint. They’ve also had to carefully remove remnants of previous restoration attempts that were themselves damaged by the hurricane and fire. It’s a painstaking process, requiring steady hands and a deep respect for the past.

One of the biggest challenges? Removing plastic sheeting that had been placed to protect the murals from the elements. The fire fused the plastic to the ancient paint, and removing it risks pulling away the original surface. The team is now carefully considering whether to leave some of the fused plastic as a poignant reminder of the fire’s destructive power.

But this isn’t just a story of damage and repair. It’s also a story of connection – a connection to the past and a connection between people. Local residents, trained by the National Coordination for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage (CNCPC), are an integral part of the restoration team. They bring not only their hands and skills but also a deep understanding of the land and its history.

“Working alongside the community is essential,” Grimaldi Sierra emphasizes. “This is their heritage, their story. By involving them in the restoration, we’re not just saving the murals; we’re strengthening the bond between the people and their past.”

The murals themselves, dating back to the city’s golden age between 800 and 1300 AD, depict scenes of anthropomorphic figures, some with animal features, wearing masks, jewelry, and elaborate feather headdresses. They offer a glimpse into the rich culture of the Gulf Coast civilizations, showcasing their beliefs, rituals, and artistic mastery.

The restoration is more than just a technical exercise; it’s a mission to reconnect with a lost world. Each brushstroke, each carefully placed fragment, is a testament to the resilience of both art and the human spirit. As the vibrant colors slowly reemerge from the ashes, they tell a story of not just destruction, but also of hope, dedication, and the enduring power of cultural heritage.



Artdaily participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us continue curating and sharing the art world’s latest news, stories, and resources with our readers.