Miruna Achim: From Idols to Antiquity sku-55970606

Miruna Achim's hardcover From Idols to Antiquity: Forging the National Museum of Mexico is listed under Latin American History Books, SKU sku-55970606. The book examines the museum's origins and early development, along with the histories of Mexican antiquities in the first half of the nineteenth century.

Founded by presidential decree in 1825 after independence from Spain, the museum was expected to hold national objects that could help define a cultural identity and teach citizenship. Achim follows debates among historical actors over the origins of American civilizations, race and ownership of antiquities.

Her account includes antiquarians, naturalists, artists, commercial agents, bureaucrats, diplomats, priests, customs officers, local guides and academics on both sides of the Atlantic, showing tensions in Mexico's postcolonial cultural politics.