Speech at the National Museum of Anthropology

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Señor Serio, representing the Huichol, Señor Palma, representing the Tarahumara,
Ambassador de Maria y Campos, Ladies and Gentlemen.

More than one hundred years ago the Norwegian anthropologist Carl Sofus Lumholtz recorded the languages and cultural expressions of the Tarahumara and Huichol peoples.

These recordings have been kept outside of Mexico since then.

I have the great honour to entrust these unique recordings – a true Mexican treasure - to your care.

Lumholtz embodied the spirit of adventure and the curiosity to explore, so typical of many Norwegians.

Other Norwegians too have been inspired to explore unknown territories for scientific reasons.

Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Polynesia on a raft made of balsa wood, and the Atlantic Ocean from Morocco to Barbados on a reed boat.

He wanted to demonstrate that ancient peoples could have been in contact with each other.

Lumholtz is less well known, but he had the same urge to discover and learn.

His opinions are as relevant and as important today as they were during the colonial period.

On the destiny of indigenous peoples under colonialism, he wrote in his book Unknown Mexico, “…our love and interest should encompass that great homeland which includes all races, no matter their colour, facial angle, religion or language. Our mission is after all to try to be of use to all inhabitants of this planet...”

Most of Lumholtz’ journeys took him to Mexico. More specifically to Mexico’s northern states.

He was a pioneer in the study of the societies, cultures and fauna that he came to know and to love.

This year Mexico is celebrating the bicentenary of its independence and the centenary of the Mexican Revolution.

In this special year it is a particular pleasure to present to Mexico these recordings.

With our donation we wish to honour the Tarahumara and Huichol peoples, and through them all the indigenous peoples of this great nation.

And we wish to honour the National Museum of Anthropology.

This extraordinary institution which makes it possible for us to understand and admire the rich diversity and ancient cultures of Mexico.

Thank you.