Mexico exhibits history, culture in photography

“That looks like a terracotta head.” “This one looks like Ife art.” “This one here looks like work from one of own wood carvers.” These were the general comments by Nigerians at the opening of the photography exhibition which marked the celebration by the embassy of the United Mexican States in Abuja of its 40 […]

“That looks like a terracotta head.” “This one looks like Ife art.”

“This one here looks like work from one of own wood carvers.”

These were the general comments by Nigerians at the opening of the photography exhibition which marked the celebration by the embassy of the United Mexican States in Abuja of its 40 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria. The event was also an opportunity for the Mexican government to honour one of its own, Mrs. Maria Adegoroye, for promoting Mexican culture in Nigeria and Nigerian culture in Mexico.
Speaking at the event which took place at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion, Under-Secretary (Regions & International Organisations) Amb. Ayoko Abel said Nigeria is not an island and is expected to relate with other countries.
He said Nigeria recently signed three MoUs with Mexico on trade and investment as 40 years down the road, the relationship between both countries have continued to be robust.
Amb. Abel said: “It is encouraging to note that bilateral relations over the years have been further enhanced by the establishment of the Nigerian-Mexican Chamber of Commerce in 2014.”
Commenting on the exhibition, he said: “The works show the similarities between both our cultures, our slave trade history and art style. But most importantly, it captures how much we have evolved as humans.”
Mrs. Maria Adegoroye who was decorated with the Ohtli Award – which is one of the highest and very limited distinctions given by the Government of Mexico to distinguished individuals of Mexican or Latino origin who have dedicated their lives and career to the service of Mexico said she didn’t see this coming.
“Before now, I didn’t even know that such an award existed. I was nominated by the Mexican ambassador and his wife. The Mexican government knows of my activities in Nigeria and what I do to promote the cultures of both countries,” she said.
Mrs. Adegoroye who is arguably the first Mexican in Africa to receive this award said her motivation to do what she does is her family, her husband and especially her love for both countries.
She said: “I feel Mexican and I also feel Nigerian. I want to show my Nigerian family and friends what Mexico is all about and also show my Mexican family and friends what Nigeria is all about.”
The exhibition gave guests the opportunity to interact with Mexico’s history as many of them learned for the first time that the country also had pyramids – some of which were burial sites of royals.
They learnt of things like the Totonaca Smiling masks, the Mayan Deity, Yucatan, and a little about Aztecs and Religion among others.