32 archaeological artifacts are returned to Mexico from U.S.

32 archaeological artifacts are returned to Mexico from U.S.

• The collection, delivered to the Mexican Consulate in Portland, includes anthropomorphic figurines, pots, and vessels voluntarily returned by a U.S. citizen

• The consulate will send the pieces to Mexico, where INAH will examine them

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has recovered 32 archaeological pieces voluntarily handed over to the Mexican Consulate in Portland, Oregon by U.S. citizen Marylou Morton.

Ms. Morton decided to return the pieces-brought to the United States in the mid-20th century-in August 2023. Consul Carlos Quesnel Meléndez traveled to Eugene, Oregon to formally receive the items.

INAH specialists have confirmed that the 32 pieces are movable monuments belonging to the Mexican nation, as defined and protected under the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Monuments and Sites. Of the recovered objects, 31 date from between 300 BCE and 1521 CE, while one item is of historical significance.

The consulate will send the pieces to Mexico via diplomatic pouc for physical inspection by INAH specialists.

On behalf of the Mexican government, the consulate in Portland thanks Ms. Morton for voluntarily returning these heritage artifacts and urges the public not to participate in the plundering of archaeological objects, but to help preserve Mexico's cultural heritage.

Mexico has taken a series of legal actions and strategies to facilitate the restitution of its cultural heritage from abroad, thanks to joint efforts by the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture.

As part of the #MiPatrimonioNoSeVende (My Heritage Is Not For Sale) campaign, the Mexican Government reaffirms its commitment to combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property and recovering national heritage illegally held abroad. During the current administration, this campaign has helped recover more than 14,000 archaeological and historical pieces belonging to the nation.