Mexico protests French auction of pre-Hispanic artifacts

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico has lodged a protest with the French government over a planned auction in Paris of about 30 pre-Hispanic sculptures and other artifacts. Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History said Tuesday that it also filed a criminal complaint, arguing it is illegal to export or sell such pieces. Christies of Paris says it will auction 39 artifacts Feb. 9, including “an impressive” 1,500-year-old stone mask from Teotihuacan and a “majesti