Two collectors in San Diego voluntarily returned 65 pre-Hispanic artifacts to the Mexican government in a ceremony held at the Mexican consulate on May 16, 2023. The artifacts, originating from various locations across the Central Mexican Plateau and the Gulf of Mexico coast, date back to the Preclassic, Classic, and Mesoamerican Postclassic periods. Among the items were a clay pedestal from the Mesoamerican Classic period (100-900 CE) and a clay bowl adorned with delicate red dots and line motifs, representing the artistic tradition of the Shaft Tombs.
Norm Werthman and Pete Mechalas, the collectors, made the decision to return the artifacts as a generous and selfless gesture towards the Mexican people. The consul general, González Gutiérrez, expressed his gratitude for their act of goodwill, stating that it is part of the ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to reintegrate historical and archaeological pieces that hold significant value to the nation’s heritage.
Following the handover, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) will examine and assess the artifacts, ensuring their proper preservation and documentation. The Mexican government, under President Andres Manuel Lopez, has placed great emphasis on the restitution of objects originating from ancient cultures that once inhabited present-day Mexico. The movement known as “My Heritage is Not for Sale” has been actively campaigning to repatriate such artifacts and has sought to prevent their sale at auction houses worldwide.
The return of these 65 artifacts adds to the growing number of archaeological objects that have been recovered by the Mexican government in recent years. With more than 5,000 estimated artifacts already repatriated, the efforts to reclaim Mexico’s cultural treasures continue to gain momentum.
The act of returning these artifacts by members of the San Diego community serves as an inspiring example that it is hoped will encourage further restitution of historically significant objects that rightfully belong to Mexico. The consul general, González Gutiérrez, expressed his hope that others will follow suit and contribute to the preservation and return of valuable assets that are an integral part of Mexico’s heritage.
By actively engaging in repatriation efforts and advocating for the protection of cultural artifacts, Mexico aims to safeguard its rich history and ensure that its heritage remains intact for future generations to appreciate and learn from. The return of these artifacts represents a step forward in promoting international cooperation and fostering a greater understanding of the importance of cultural preservation.
