The Absent Stone
Director Sandra Rozental
Countries Mexico, United States
Duration 80 min
Synopsis
In 1964, a colossal pre-Hispanic monolith was taken from the village of San Miguel Coatlinchán, in Mexico State to the National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City. Since then, the absence of the monolith is a presence in its place of origin and an endless stream of reproductions and replicas. This event led to an exploration of the conflicts surrounding heritage and history through the artifacts of the past, and gave rise to an international debate on cultural property and the legitimate custodians of the past.
In 1964, a colossal pre-Hispanic monolith was taken from the village of San Miguel Coatlinchán, in Mexico State to the National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City. Since then, the absence of the monolith is a presence in its place of origin and an endless stream of reproductions and replicas. This event led to an exploration of the conflicts surrounding heritage and history through the artifacts of the past, and gave rise to an international debate on cultural property and the legitimate custodians of the past.