Caso y Andrade, Alfonso (1896–1970)

Alfonso Caso y Andrade (b. 1 February 1896; d. 30 November 1970), Mexican archaeologist, intellectual, and public figure who wrote numerous works on Middle American indigenous populations. From 1931 to 1943 he directed the explorations of Monte Albán, one of Mexico's major archaeological sites.

The son of the engineer Antonio Caso y Morali and Maria Andrade, brother of the distinguished intellectual Antonio Caso y Andrade, and the brother-in-law of a leading intellectual and labor leader, Vicente Lombardo Toledano, Caso was part of a significant generation of Mexican intellectuals. A longtime professor at the National University, he directed the National Preparatory School and, in 1944, after directing the National Institute of Anthropology and History, became rector of the National University. Caso briefly served (1946–1948) in Miguel Alemán's cabinet as the first secretary of government properties and in 1949 he founded and became director of the National Indigenous Institute, a position he held until his death. A member of the National College, an honorary society of distinguished Mexicans, Caso was awarded the National Prize in Arts and Sciences for his intellectual contributions.

See alsoArchaeology; National Institute of Anthropology and History.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alfonso Caso, "Discursos," in Memoria (1953).

Luis Calderón Vega, Los 7 sabios de México (1961).

Alfonso Caso, A un joven arqueólogo mexicano (1968).

Additional Bibliography

Salas Ortega, Antonio. La política en el pensamiento de Alfonso Caso: Testimonio. México, D.F.: Editormex Mexicana, 1990.

                                    Roderic Ai Camp