East RGV News

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS– Last week, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) led a letter with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), urging the Austrian government to return the headdress of Aztec Emperor, Moctezuma II, back to Mexico – its place of origin.

“This headdress is an important part of Mexico and Mexican Americans’ historical and cultural identity, which is why this important artifact should be returned home.” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Emperor Moctezuma II ruled during the first contact between Spanish Conquistadors and the Aztec empire – a time that would forever change the course of humanity. His headdress serves as a unique relic of a time rife with discovery and conflict. It is a vital link between Mesoamerican culture, modern-day Mexico, and Mexican Americans in South Texas and across the United States.”

“We cannot redo history, but we can right the wrongs of the past by the actions and efforts we make today,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Deputy Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). “Artifacts such as the headdress of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II hold significant places of honor and cultural meaning to their countries of origin. As we continue our efforts to address the injustices of the past, we urge that the headdress of Moctezuma II be returned to the Government of Mexico to uphold the rich legacy of the Mexican people and to its rightful place of origin.”

The letter was signed by other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus including Chair Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Deputy Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) Congresswomen Nydia Velazquez (NY-07) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), and Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Raul Grijalva (AZ-07).

Read the full letter here.

Original source can be found here.