MEXICO CITY.- In a significant victory for cultural heritage, the Mexican government has successfully repatriated 399 ancient artifacts, bringing them back to their rightful home after years of being scattered across the globe.


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The impressive haul, spanning centuries and diverse pre-Hispanic cultures, was recovered through the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and Mexican diplomatic missions in France, the United States (Chicago, Dallas, Montreal, New York, and Vancouver).

Among the recovered treasures are:

• A mesmerizing Maya clay pot, crafted between 500 and 900 AD, returned from Chicago.

• A captivating Zapotec seal, depicting a mythical creature, recovered from Dallas. This seal dates back to between 200 and 900 AD.

• A captivating anthropomorphic figure in the Ixtlán del Río style, dating from 100 to 700 AD, making its way back from France.

• An elegant Teotihuacan-style double-chambered candleholder, created between 200 and 750 AD, returned from Montreal.

• A beautifully crafted turtle figure, dating from the Mesoamerican Postclassic period, repatriated from New York.

These are just a few of the remarkable pieces that have been returned to Mexico. The 399 artifacts represent a diverse collection spanning various pre-Hispanic cultures and regions, including Western Mexico, the Gulf Coast, the Central Highlands, Oaxaca, and the Maya region.

This successful repatriation effort underscores the Mexican government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage. Through tireless diplomacy, cooperation with international authorities, and persistent efforts to combat illicit trafficking, Mexico is actively reclaiming its past and ensuring these invaluable pieces of history are preserved for future generations.

The return of these 399 artifacts serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of cultural heritage and the importance of international cooperation in protecting it.



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