Mayonihka, Hidlago

Assailants damage ancient Otomi Indian religious site in Mexico

Assailants have damaged an ancient Otomi Indian religious site in Mexico, toppling stone structures used as altars, breaking carved stones and scattering offerings of flowers, fruit and paintings at the remote mountain shrine known as Mayonihka or Mexico Chiquito.

The attack was unusual in a country where few ancient pre-Hispanic religious sites remain functioning.

A researcher who interviewed some of the attackers said they identified themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses and viewed the altars as blasphemy. However, the spokesman for the Jehovah's Witnesses in Mexico said Tuesday that the allegation appeared to be false.

A local official in . . .