From scientific specimens and curiosities of the Nature, to heritage assets: its listing in the Public Registry of Archaeological Zones and Monuments

Summary

Fossils are physical evidence that provides important information in order to figure out and explain the origin and evolution of life on Earth. For this reason, an accurate recollection and preparation are necessary. A precise data collecting also is required. Fossils must be preserved in scientific collections where they will be studied and where they will receive the status of specimens. In addition, for non-scientists these objects could be curiosities of the past from Nature which are also objects for collecting.

In Mexico, fossils are recognized as national heritage, nevertheless it was not until 1986 that INAH was designated as the institution in charge of them, having modified its Organic Law and having added the article 28bis to the Federal Law of Archaeological Zones and Monuments, Artistical and Historical. According to this, INAH executes different actions to fulfill these responsibilities, for not only scientific collections, but private too and paleontological sites. Generating data sheets of records with the final goal to extend the legal declaration of the existence of these goods. This tool was developed to follow up and have control of specimen records and legal protection, key aspects for conservation and protection of this heritage.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Protección del Patrimonio Cultural en México, a través de la Dirección de Registro Público de Monumentos y Zonas Arqueológicos e Históricos   •
• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 17123