Mexico City – The Mexican government is demanding that the Sotheby's auction house halt the planned sale of 51 pre-Colombian Mexican artifacts, arguing they are protected national historical pieces.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History says Mexico has sent a diplomatic note to the French government seeking assistance in heading off the sale scheduled in Paris for Friday and Saturday.
A description of the pieces listed on the French website of Sotheby's describes the collection as containing sculptures from Mexican and other pre-Hispanic cultures.
Sotheby's did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A statement issued by the Mexican institute Wednesday says it objects to "the international trade in protected cultural objects" and says the pieces are "property of the nation."
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.