José García Payón y Alfonso Medellin Zenil, pioneros de la arqueología del centro de Veracruz.

Abstract

This article analyzes the life of the two Mexican archaeologists who laid the foundations of modern Central Veracruz archaeology during the decades spanning the 40’s to the 70’s. Working within the frame of culture history, they developed the ceramic sequence which in its main outline remains valid up to now. On the other hand, they confronted the problem of the ethnic identity of the regional cultures, creating the paradigm of “Totonacapan”, which is now being challenged. We review their biography, methodology, academic achievements, and success in the diffusion of knowledge at the level of education and general public, as well as the extent to which those aspects were conditioned by the political and institutional background from which they emerged.