Mexico City – Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Mexican government and its diplomatic representatives abroad, Mexico has successfully reclaimed 399 pre-Hispanic artifacts from six locations across three countries, which have now been returned to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Recovered through diplomatic efforts involving the Mexican Embassy in France, and the consulates of Chicago, Dallas, Montreal, New York, and Vancouver, these invaluable items reflect Mexico’s diverse and rich history.
Specialists from INAH identified the artifacts as originating from various regions and cultures, including western Mexico, the Gulf Coast, the Central Plateau, Oaxaca, and the Mayan territories.
Among the treasures are a Mayan clay pot from 500–900 AD found in Chicago, a Zapotec seal depicting a fantastical figure from 200–900 AD recovered from Dallas, and an anthropomorphic figure in the Ixtlán del Río style dating back to 100–700 AD, which was returned from France.
Other recovered items include a double-chambered Teotihuacan candlestick (Montreal), a Postclassic zoomorphic turtle figure (New York), and 12 additional archaeological pieces representing different periods and areas of Mexico (Vancouver).
This restitution underscores the ongoing commitment of Mexico’s government to preserving its cultural heritage. Through collaboration with foreign authorities, the suspension of auctions, and negotiations with museums and institutions, Mexico has prioritized returning its cultural legacy to its rightful home.
Each recovered artifact represents a piece of the nation’s rich history, emphasizing the importance of preserving these invaluable connections to the past for future generations.
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