María de La Cruz Paillés Hernández

María de la Cruz Paillés Hernández (20 November 1941 – 27 July 2020) was a Mexican archaeologist, recognised for her studies on Mesoamerican Preclassic period cultures.

Her most renowned works are the excavations at pre-Columbian archaeological sites of Izapa and Las Bocas in Mexico.

Early life and education Paillés was born on 20 November 1941.

She graduated from the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH) and obtained a master's degree in anthropology and a doctorate in history from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Paillés carried out important archaeological research at the Las Bocas site in Puebla, known for its production of fine Olmec-style pottery and figurines. Her work there was crucial in establishing a scientific chronology for the site following the intense looting of the 1960s.

She also led other archaeological projects such as El Pajón and Mango Amate. Barlow, Robert H., Sources and studies on indigenous Mexico. Part One: Generalities and Central Mexico, (Jesús Monjarás-Ruiz, Elena Limón and María de la Cruz Paillés) (1994). INAH, University of the Americas Puebla Palenque in the 18th century, first expeditions of the Spanish Crown: Joseph Antonio Calderón and Antonio Bernasconi. (1993). National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Guatemala.