MEXICO CITY.- The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has announced the appointment of Francisco Mendiola Galván as the new National Coordinator of Archeology. Mendiola, a respected researcher with decades of experience, takes the helm from Martha Lorenza López Mestas Camberos.

INAH Director General Diego Prieto Hernández emphasized Mendiola's strong academic and technical background, as well as his administrative experience, during the appointment ceremony. Prieto highlighted Mendiola's proven track record, his ability to work effectively in teams both in the office and in the field, and his commitment to community engagement. "He has demonstrated a real understanding of the social aspects of archeology," Prieto stated, expressing confidence in Mendiola's leadership.

Mendiola expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this important role. "INAH is family," he said. "It's an institution I've always loved. The chance to contribute to the good of this nation and the institute is what motivates me to take on this responsibility."

Mendiola's connection to INAH runs deep. He earned his degree in Archeology from the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH) back in 1984. His academic pursuits continued, culminating in a master's degree in Social Anthropology and a doctorate in History.

Since 1992, Mendiola has been a dedicated researcher at INAH. He's held various leadership positions, including directing the ENAH Chihuahua campus (now the School of Anthropology and History of Northern Mexico) and coordinating the master's program in Social Anthropology there. He spent two decades at the INAH Chihuahua Center and, more recently, worked at the INAH Puebla Center, where he coordinated the Archeology Section and led the "Rock Art in Puebla" project.

Mendiola's research has focused on diverse areas, including rock art in northern Mexico and Puebla, the aesthetics of this art form, the connection between symbolic/sacred territory and archeology, and the history of archeological thought in the region. His expertise is evident in his extensive bibliography, which includes books like "Rock Art in Chihuahua," "Mirror of Stone, Memory of Light. Rock Art in Chihuahua," and "Rock Art and Aesthetics," as well as over 70 articles. He is currently working on a book titled "Rock Art in Puebla. Cultural Expression of Mesoamerica and Beyond."

His work has also garnered international attention, as seen in his participation in the "Layers. Rock art across space and time" exhibition in 2022, organized by the Network of National Institutes of Culture of the European Union.

Mendiola's contributions to the field have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the INAH Award for Best Published Work and the Chihuahua 2000 Award in Social Sciences. With his deep roots in INAH, his extensive research experience, and his commitment to community engagement, Mendiola is well-positioned to lead the National Coordination of Archeology into the future.