On the morning of Wednesday, April 9, archaeologist Miguel Orrego died. His legacy goes to the history of Guatemala as one of the most important characters when founding the TAK´ALIK AB´AJ ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARKWorld Parrrimony.
Due to health problems, the archaeologist died at approximately 9.30 in the morning, at the age of 79. On July 5, 80 would meet.
The news of his death was published on social networks and was confirmed by close people.
Miguel Orrego Corzo began his way as a volunteer in the excavations of Kaminaljuyú. Orrego was actively involved in the fight against the looting of archaeological sites of Petén, but it was from 1987 when one of the most significant tasks began in his profession: research YCreaction of the Tak´alik Ab´aj archaeological park, in Retalhuleu. He was currently the administrative chief of the place.
The place It was found more than a hundred years ago. Specifically it was in 1888 when the city was mentioned for the first time.
It became a place of tourist attraction and a focus of development for the region. UNESCO registered this site C this September 18,World World Heritage.
Next to him has worked the renowned Christian archaeologist Schieber to Lavarda, who mentions that he was a man with great generosity, determination of thinking and believer of the best version of life.
Archaeologist Richard Hansen also lamented Orrego’s departure with a trajectory has positioned him as one of the most rEconomid Guatemalan Specialists of Mayan Archeology.
Trajectory of Miguel Orrego
A good part of Orrego’s training was in the field of work with archaeologists such as William Coe, Edwin Shook and Richard Adams, in Tikal, in 20 years of career. Since 1987 he was director of the National Project Tak´alik Ab´aj.
In an interview with Free pressin 2003, he explained that Tak´alik Ab´aj was interested because he represented the Olmeca and Maya culture.
“The project itself was born when I was at the University of Los Angeles; there I was in charge of the archaeological topography section for a year. I went to the states trying to change a little atmosphere after being 20 years in the jungle. I learned about what Abaj Takalik was (now Tak´alik Ab´aj,). Then we began to try to form the project. At that time the University of Berkeley was also interested, because they were also interested, because they were also interested, because they were also They had started working there long before us.
Upon his return the project began. When asked what he considered that it was the most important thing that the Guatemalans should know about Tak´alik Ab´aj, he replied: “In principle, what we have to know is that there is the root of the Guatemalan nationality. We are talking about cultures around the year 1000 AC everything we know of the classical Mayan culture is after Christ, 700, 800, and the other thing is that we have to think about the country, Culturally speaking, and that not only Petén is archeology, the south coast also has important things.
A recognition bears his name
In 2022, the Ministry of Culture and Sports published a government agreement in which it included the name of the renowned archaeologist Miguel Ángel Corzo to the National Order of Cultural Heritage.
“From now on, the National Order of the Cultural Heritage of Guatemala will include the name of the archaeologist Miguel Orrego Corzo, as a recognition to his long career and contributions to the archaeological research of the country,” he cited the portfolio.
In article 1 of the agreement he mentioned: “Create and institute the presidential order“ National Order of Guatemala Culture Heritage, Miguel Orrego Corzo, to annually reward individual or legal, national or foreign persons.that during their verifiable trajectory they have distinguished themselves by their contribution and permanent effort in favor of the defense, valorization, research, scientific dissemination, protection and conservation of the culture of the Nation. ”
In 2009 he was also recognized with the pop order of the Francisco Marroquín University.