• The INAH confirmed that these are pre-Hispanic pieces from various cultures.
  • The INAH are now in possession of the pieces for their analysis, conservation and public display.

Today, the Foreign Ministry delivered to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) 223 archaeological pieces recovered by the Mexican embassy in the Netherlands. Under the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic and Historical Monuments and Areas, the pieces are part of Mexico's archaeological heritage.

The INAH confirmed that the pieces are pre-Hispanic and belong to various cultures in the west, the Central Highlands, the Gulf of Mexico and the southeast region. They were made over a period of time beginning in the Mesoamerican Preclassic period (1200 BC-400 BC) and extending to the Postclassic period (800 AD to 1,521 AD).

At the reception ceremony, Director General for Europe Bernardo Aguilar thanked Anne Le Guellec, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of the Netherlands, for this act of collaboration and friendship.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Legal Advisor Salvador Tinajero commented on the invaluable support given by the Government of the Netherlands in combating the illicit trafficking of archaeological and cultural objects. He also discussed the measures that must be adopted to prohibit and prevent the illicit importation, exportation and transfer of cultural property.

Ambassador Anne Le Guellec referred to the encouraging trend in international practices related to the restitution of cultural patrimony to their communities of origin, based on respect, ethics and the protection of their legitimate human rights. 

The return of these pieces is an example of the active cooperation between Mexico and the Netherlands to protect cultural property and is a commitment to returning historical and cultural patrimony to their countries of origin.  

The repatriated pieces are now in the safekeeping of the INAH for their analysis, conservation and public display. They are testimony to the peoples who made and used them.

The Government of Mexico reaffirms its commitment to actively participating in protecting cultural heritage around the world and to continue its efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and to repatriate pieces that are national heritage and that are abroad illegally.

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