German firm offers parts despite objection from Mexico

Around 21 assets from Mexico’s archaeological heritage are part of a free sale by the German auction house Zemanek-Münster. These are original pieces, according to the description, from the Olmec, Mayan and other cultures. Most were part of bids that the Mexican government had objected to and that were not acquired at auctions.

The best valued pieces were called Seated Man and Woman, with a valuation of 6 thousand euros (about 124 thousand pesos), coming from Zacatecas and made around 100 BC-250 AD

The pair of pieces were part of auction 105 of the German company, which the federal Ministry of Culture asked to be canceled because “its presence outside the national territory derives from illicit extraction.” Like many previous sales, it was made despite opposition from the Mexican government.

Currently, the Würzburg-based company is carrying out an open sale of 733 lots that were part of some previous bids. They mostly come from African cultures, as well as some from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Alaska, Japan, India, Indonesia and China.

The following creations with the highest valuation were also included in the aforementioned auction 105 on November 15, 2025. These are the Standing Male Figure (200 BC-300 AD), for which they expect to receive more than 100 thousand pesos, and the Seated Warrior, valued at about 93 thousand pesos.

Almost all of the 18 lots of artistic works linked to Mexico were originally offered in auctions 103, 104 and 105, in 2024 and 2025. They now have prices ranging between 300 and 3 thousand euros (6,200 and 62 thousand pesos). The total sum of what they hope to raise amounts to more than 723 thousand pesos.

It brings together pieces titled Cylindrical ritual container, Large sitting dog, Jaguar mask, Stone ax head, Dwarf figure and Polychrome cylindrical vase, among others.

Zemanek-Münster explains on its website that “in our warehouse in the city of Würzburg you can find works of tribal art from previous auctions: more than 478 objects from all continents and European collections, which you can purchase directly at the minimum price.”

The auctioneer highlighted that “the fascination with tribal art lies in its extraordinary expressiveness and its influence on modern art. While anthropologists highlight its ritual functions, collectors and art lovers focus on its aesthetic appeal and its influence on the history of art.”