75 archaeological artefacts returned to Mexico as repatriation efforts progress
The Mexican government's campaign to restore its achaeological heritage has resulted in the return of 75 indigenous archaeological artefacts from Germany to the Latin nation.
The Museum of Schloss Salder in Salzgitter voluntarily returned 74 out of the 75 artefacts in a handover ceremony that took place at the Mexican Embassy in Berlin on November 23. The remaining artefact was confiscated by customs in Leipzig because the recipient could not provide a valid certificate to prove ownership of the artefact.
Diego Prieto Hernández, head of the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) present at the event said that the artefacts were held in the Schloss Salder Museum after they were found 120 years ago, by a German engineer drilling a well in Tampico, Tamaulipas in Mexico.
Mexico’s cultural authorities have facilitated the restitution of lost artefacts in recent months. In July, 70 artefacts from Italy were returned to the Latin American nation.
"Owning these archaeological pieces as souvenirs or decorative items is an offence to the native peoples. Therefore, their restitution not only ensures their preservation and study but also returns to our indigenous communities a key part of their historical memory," Mexican Ambassador to Germany, Francisco Quiroga Fernandez is quoted by local media Mexico News Daily.
In Mexico’s effort to restore its archaeological heritage, 13,422 artefacts have been returned to Mexico under President López Obrador’s administration, Mexico News Daily reports.
