Grave Diggers Removing Remains at Panteón Santa Paula Cemetery Because the Family Could Not Pay the Burial Tax in Guanajuato City, Mexico - 19th Century - stock illustration

Grave diggers removing remains of the deceased that the family was unable to pay the burial taxes of, in Panteón Santa Paula cemetery at Guanajuato City in Guanajuato, Mexico. Vintage halftone etching circa 19th century. The tax was abolished in 1958, but many bodies were removed from the cemetery and placed in the catacombs below the city because the family could not afford the taxes. During this time and because of this practice illustrated, the Mummies of Guanajuato were discovered.