The Government of Mexico received 35 archaeological pieces of Mexican origin in restitution from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Consulate in Seattle.
According to the opinion of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), these pieces, recovered from a private collection during a real estate sale last year, are property of Mexico by current legislation.
Coming from the Cintalapa region, Chiapas, and made during the Classic Mesoamerican period (100 – 600 AD), they represent a valuable testimony of the rich cultural history of the nation.
At an event, the Mexican Consul in Seattle, Héctor Iván Godoy Priske, highlighted the importance of these pieces as part of Mexican cultural heritage and celebrated their return to the country.
This act, he said, underscores the commitment of Mexico and the United States to the preservation of historical legacy and international cooperation.
The restitution of these pieces is the result of the close collaboration between both countries, as well as the efforts of the Mexican Consulate in Seattle, headed by the Consul for Protection and Legal Affairs, Jorge López, in coordination with the DHS.
The Government of Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to the recovery of Mexican cultural heritage that is illegally found abroad.
The Mesoamerican Classic period extends from approximately 200 AD until 900 AD During this period, the flourishing of large cities in Mesoamerica is observed, such as Teotihuacán, Tikal, Palenque, and Monte Albán, among others.
Impressive architectural structures were built, such as pyramids, palaces, temples, and ball courts, which still today bear witness to the advanced urban and cultural development of the time.
Hieroglyphic writing systems were developed, such as those used by the Mayans, which allowed the creation of codices and the documentation of history, religion, and other aspects of Mesoamerican life. Mesoamerican art reached a high level of sophistication during the Classic period, with elaborate stone sculptures, stelae, reliefs, and wall paintings depicting religious, ritual, and political themes.
San Miguel Times
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