A collection of 1,294 pre-Columbian archaeological pieces from various pre-Columbian Mexican cultures will be repatriated from California (USA) to Mexico, the Department of State (SRE) reported this Tuesday.
Among the archaeological pieces, which correspond to the period before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, are objects of general and ceremonial use, statuettes, vessels, necklaces, bracelets, ceramic and copper bells, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
There are also remains of burials, wind instruments, various work tools, items for making clothing, arrowheads and much more.
The repatriation was announced this Tuesday but was formalized on September 15 at the facilities of the San Bernardino County Museum (MCSB) within the framework of cooperation and friendship between Mexico and the United States, especially California, and in collaboration with San Bernardino County.
“The delivery is carried out within the framework of the policies, mission and ethics of the MCSB (…) in accordance with the national guidelines for the restoration of cultural heritage properties,” explained the Mexican Foreign Ministry.
The SRE explained that the archaeological pieces were received by the Consul of Mexico, Itzel de León Villard, who recognized the district and museum authorities.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry explained that this was the result of coordinated work between the SRE, the Ministry of Culture, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the San Bernardino County Council of Supervisors and the MCSB.
“With measures like this, we continue the efforts to combat the illicit trade in cultural property and to repatriate cultural objects that are part of the national heritage and found illegally abroad,” concluded the Mexican government authorities.
During the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Mexican government has recovered more than 11,500 pieces from abroad that it considers national heritage, as the president has made this operation a priority since he took office in December 2018.
