The US returns 35 archaeological pieces to Mexico

MADRID (EUROPA PRESS).- The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) returned a total of 35 archaeological pieces of Mexican origin to the Government of Mexico through the Seattle Consulate, within the framework of a set of legal actions and strategies implemented by the Secretariats of Foreign Affairs and Culture of the receiving country.

The restitution took place in a delivery ceremony presided over by the Seattle consul, Héctor Iván Godoy Priske, who publicly recognized not only the importance of the pieces in question, but also the relevance of their return to their country of origin.

In this context, Godoy pointed out that these archaeological samples are, in addition to “a testimony” of Mexico’s “glorious past,” “a living reminder of the continuity of Mexican cultural identity” over time. These pieces constitute, in the eyes of the consul, “a bridge that connects” the country’s past with its present and its future.

“We are proud to facilitate the return of these important artifacts to Mexico,” he celebrated, highlighting that “this act underlines (their) commitment to cultural heritage and international cooperation.”

RELEASE. “The Government of Mexico receives 35 archaeological pieces of Mexican origin from the US Department of Homeland Security.”

The Government of Mexico, through the Consulate in Seattle, United States, received, in restitution, 35 archaeological pieces of origin… pic.twitter.com/LSCOAq9vH0

— Foreign Affairs (@SRE_mx) June 8, 2024

Indeed, the delivery of these pieces has been possible thanks to the dialogue and cooperation between the Mexican and American authorities, as well as the efforts carried out by the Mexican Consulate in Seattle, which have been led by the Consul for Protection and Legal Affairs, Jorge López, who has worked closely with the US Department of Homeland Security.

Beyond this particular case, Mexico has developed a whole series of legal actions and strategies focused on the restitution of Mexican cultural heritage found abroad.

With these actions, the country’s Government has reaffirmed “its commitment to recovering Mexican cultural heritage that is illegally found abroad through the ‘My heritage is not for sale’ campaign.”