Mexico begins restoring damaged Olmec sculptures

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VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico (AP) - Mexico is restoring nearly two dozen pre-Hispanic Olmec sculptures damaged by an American woman and two Mexican men.

The three were arrested Sunday for allegedly throwing a grape juice & oil mixture on the statues as part of a bizarre religious act. The mixture left dark stains on the porous stone carvings in the Gulf state of Tabasco.

Mexico's National Institute for Anthropology and History says the 300,000 peso ($21,000) restoration process began Wednesday with pressurized hot water and organic solvents.

The Olmecs are referred to as the "mother culture" of the region that later saw the rise of the Mayas and Aztecs. The flat-faced, carved heads are often considered the most emblematic pieces of Olmec art.