Peru Repatriates 4,600 Treasured Artifacts from US and Europe

Over 4,000 culturally important items like textiles, ceramics, and clothing have been brought back to Peru, where they originally came from, according to a statement from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These 4,600 cultural treasures were sent back to the South American nation from the United States and various countries in Europe such as Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, as announced by the foreign ministry on Wednesday.

Peru’s Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborated with local authorities, consulates, and embassies in the countries where the objects were located to repatriate them back to Peru.

Peru's foreign minister, Javier González-Olaechea, speaks at a ceremony marking the return of the cultural assets in Lima on Wednesday.

Peru's foreign minister, Javier González-Olaechea, speaks at a ceremony marking the return of the cultural assets in Lima on Wednesday.

Sebastian Castaneda/Reuters

The statement mentioned that a total of 4,556 items were returned from a collection of archaeological material once owned by the late American archaeologist and anthropologist John Rowe. Additionally, 33 items were returned from Italy, with 21 of them previously confiscated by Italian authorities from an art gallery. These items included clothing and ceramics from various cultures such as Nazca, Wari, Inca, Paracas, and Chimú.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that a silver incense burner dating back to the 18th or 19th century was returned from Portugal. Furthermore, other archaeological items were voluntarily returned from Germany and the Netherlands. Swiss authorities were also involved in the repatriation process, seizing and returning four pieces of pre-Hispanic ceramics.

Recovered Inca textiles are displayed at the Foreign Ministry in Lima, Peru, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Recovered Inca textiles are displayed at the Foreign Ministry in Lima, Peru, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Peru's foreign minister, Javier González-Olaechea, announced at a ceremony that since 2019, Peru has successfully reclaimed over 7,000 pieces of its cultural heritage. This achievement has positioned Peru as a global leader in combatting the illegal trade of cultural artifacts.

Leslie Urteaga, the culture minister of Peru, expressed the importance of strengthening sovereignty over the country's cultural heritage. She highlighted that the cultural legacy of Peru plays a vital role in shaping the identity of its people.

CNN's Vasco Cotovio contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The repatriation of these culturally significant items to Peru is a testament to the importance of preserving and safeguarding a nation's cultural heritage. The collaboration between Peru's ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, along with international authorities, demonstrates the commitment to combating the illegal trade of artifacts. The return of these treasures will undoubtedly contribute to the preservation and understanding of Peruvian history and identity, enriching the nation's cultural landscape.

Furthermore, Peru's success in reclaiming over 7,000 cultural artifacts since 2019 is a significant achievement and sets an example for other countries to prioritize the protection of their cultural heritage. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating illicit trafficking and ensuring that cultural treasures remain accessible to the communities from which they originated. appreciation for the cultural diversity of our world.