MEXICO CITY.- As part of an annual cleaning program headed by the
National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) 24 temples dated from 16th to 18th centuries, distributed over the 500 blocks that integrate Oaxaca Historical Center, were cleaned up of graffiti.
Archaeologist Enrique Fernandez Davila informed this, adding that San Felipe del Agua was also cleaned, with resources from INAH and the Secretariat of Social Development (SEDESOL) Temporary Employment Program.
Among the religious constructions that to present are graffiti-free, outstand the Cathedral, Santo Domingo de Guzman temple and ex convent, and the churches Preciosa Sangre, El Carmen Alto, Siete Principes, Compañia de Jesus and San Agustin.
Cleaning work was in charge of INAH National Coordination of Cultural Heritage Coordination (CNCPC), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Institute of Anthropological Investigations, and Oaxaca INAH Center, supervising the removal of up to 3 layers of synthetic enamel. La Cascada Civil Association members collaborated.
“Demonstrations in Oaxaca Historical Center imply that historical monuments are not respected. The worst thing is that products are more aggressive each time”.
“INAH has been removing paint from ancient buildings for 3 years, and we are worried about masonry walls, because cleaning is more difficult and harmful. Although we use ecological citric solvents and soft brushes, this wears out the stone” explained Fernandez.
Oaxaca INAH Center director informed that this instance raises awareness through different media, based in the idea that education is fundamental to protect cultural heritage.
An alternative solution would be covering historical monuments with lime, to protect the stone from paint effect. This was suggested by INAH architects.
Fernandez Davila announced that INAH conducts minor maintenance work and urgent interventions in 34 historical constructions in Tehuantepec Isthmus. This work is in charge of Oaxaca INAH Center Historical Monuments Section, INAH Direction of Immovable Goods Maintenance and INAH National Coordination of Historical Monuments”.
