Mexico honours late Te Papa head in its place

ROBERT KITCHIN/ The Dominion Post

MARK OF RESPECT: Luis Franco, charge d' affaires at the Mexican embassy, with the El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) shrine to Seddon Bennington, late head of Te Papa.

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An altar is honouring late Te Papa boss Seddon Bennington during Mexico's day of the dead celebration.

On November 1 and November 2, families set up altars in their homes to remember those who have died. This year the Mexican embassy in Wellington has dedicated a shrine to Dr Bennington.

Spokesman Luis Franco said it was a mark of respect for a man who had close ties to the embassy and a had passion for Mexican culture. "It is our belief he iswith us right now at the embassy."

Dr Bennington, 61, had visited Mexico to set the stage for an exhibition of treasures from the Aztec Empire to be held in Te Papa in 2011. He and friend Marcella Jackson, 54, died of hypothermia in the Tararua Range in July.

The day of the dead combines pre-Hispanic beliefs and the Catholic traditions of Spain.

Dr Bennington's sons gave their blessing for the altar and Te Papa staff have been invited to visit it.

A Te Papa spokeswoman said Dr Bennington often travelled to Mexico and talked of his trips, so the embassy honour was fitting.

The altar, in the embassy's art gallery in Featherston St, Wellington, is open to the public from 10-5pm by appointment. People wishing to visit should call 472 0555.

- © Fairfax NZ News