Since February 1980, Pilar has directed the National Institute of Anthropology and History's (INAH) Underwater Archaeology Department, which was upgraded in 1995 to a Vice-Directorate. She has directed assorted projects in inland and marine waters focusing on both prehispanic and colonial periods. Currently Pilar is directing the 1630-1631 New Spain's Fleet Research Project, an exemplary Latin American research effort.

Pilar is member of several national and international councils. In January 1997 she received the Society for Historical Archaeology Award of Merit, "for pioneering in the recognition, exploration and preservation of the underwater archaeological heritage of Mexico." She has written numerous articles and given lectures in Mexico and other countries. In addition to her many other pursuits, the training and education of new Latin American underwater archaeologists is one of her main concerns.

Why I got into underwater archaeology ...

While I was studying to become an archaeologist, one of my main concerns was, what happens to the cultural remains laying in Mexican waters? I knew prehispanic groups used to throw offerings in springs and cenotes in order to honor their deities. I also asked myself what about all those ships that came from the Old World and sank in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean with cargoes as varied and rich as your imagination can be? During many years I was a swimming teacher, specializing in teaching children with Down Syndrome. Water had always been an important part of my world. Since life is always bringing us what we need to learn and to grow, my questioning about submerged cultural remains took me to a library where I found one book which revealed me that underwater archaeology existed. Then, of course, I wanted to know more. That lead me to organize a course in Mexico City and to ask Dr. George Bass to be in charge of the main part. To my amazement, he accepted and he came together with Dr. Donald H. Keith. After that, he invited me to work with his team in Turkey and, little by little, with the support of many people, I was able to develop projects for Mexico. I can say that underwater archaeology and I have been together for a long time now, and that one of the main purposes of my life is to use this discipline as a bridge not only to know our past better but to become a better human being due to that understanding.

Favorite quote

"Caminante, no hay camino. Se hace camino al andar." (Walker, there is no road. You make the road while you walk.)
Antonio Machado, Spanish poet

About INAH

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)is the official department in charge of the Mexican cultural patrimony dating up to nineteenth century. In 1980, INAH created the Underwater Archaeology Department (DAS), in order to protect, research, conserve and disseminate the underwater cultural patrimony of Mexico, and to prepare future generations of underwater archaeologists. In 1995, the DAS was promoted to a Vice-Directorate.

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