New York. The New York justice system announced this Friday the return to Mexico of 30 pieces of heritage, valued at half a million dollars, which were seized within the framework of investigations against networks of looting and trafficking of Latin American cultural heritage.
Among the restored objects is a yoke for the Ball Game, one of the first known sports in which a rubber ball was used, dated approximately between 300 and 600 AD. C., which due to its weight probably had ceremonial use or was given as a trophy.
Likewise, a figure has been returned that represents a priest of Xipe Totec, the Aztec god of agriculture and war, and another that symbolizes a stone feathered snake and an anthropomorphic turtle, two characteristic aspects of the creator deity Quetzalcóatl.
“The pieces returned today reflect the depth and beauty of this ancient cultural heritage,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, there are many more pieces looted in Mexico that are still deposited in galleries, homes and auction houses, and we will continue to locate them with police collaboration,” he added.
“Each piece is part of the history and identity of Mexico,” said the acting Mexican consul general, Joaquín Pastrana Uranga, quoted in the note upon receiving the pieces.
These types of Mesoamerican objects have been sought by looters in Mexico throughout the 20th century and so far.
The pieces delivered were smuggled into the United States, where they were laundered by several traffickers through falsifications of origin and false appraisals, according to the New York prosecutor’s office.
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#York #returns #looted #archaeological #pieces #Mexico
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## World Today News Exclusive Interview: The Repatriation of Looted Treasures
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Amelia Garcia**, Archaeologist and Professor of Mesoamerican Studies at the University of Mexico
* **Alvin Bragg**, Manhattan District Attorney
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into a significant victory for cultural preservation: the return of 30 ancient artifacts to Mexico from New York. We are joined by Dr. Amelia Garcia, a renowned expert on Mesoamerican archaeology, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, instrumental in facilitating this repatriation.
**Section 1: The Significance of the Repatriation**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Garcia, these artifacts represent a rich tapestry of ancient Mexican culture. Could you elaborate on the significance of their return to Mexico? What does this mean for the preservation of Mexican heritage?
* **Dr. Garcia:** Absolutely. These artifacts are not mere objects; they are windows into the past, holding stories of civilizations, beliefs, and traditions. Their return is a triumph, symbolizing the repatriation of stolen cultural identity. It also sends a strong message about the importance of respecting and protecting cultural heritage worldwide.
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Bragg, from a legal standpoint, why is this case particularly important? How does this repatriation fit into the broader fight against trafficking of cultural objects?
* **Mr. Bragg:** This case highlights the seriousness of cultural looting and trafficking. It’s not just about financial crimes; it’s about the plundering of a nation’s soul.
This repatriation demonstrates our commitment to working collaboratively across borders to recover stolen treasures and hold those responsible accountable.
**Section 2: The Looted Past and the Fight for Preservation**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Garcia, you mentioned the history of looting in Mexico. Could you shed light on the extent of the problem and the lasting impact it has on Mexico’s cultural heritage?
* **Dr. Garcia:** Looting has unfortunately plagued Mexico for centuries, fueled by a thriving black market for antiquities. It’s a devastating problem that robs communities of their history and disrupts archaeological research.
* **Interviewer:**
Mr. Bragg, what measures are being taken to prevent further looting and trafficking? What role can international cooperation play in this endeavor?
* **Mr. Bragg:** We are actively pursuing investigations and working with international partners to dismantle trafficking networks. Educating collectors and the public about the ethical implications of acquiring looted artifacts is essential.
**Section 3: Hope for the Future**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Garcia, what message does this repatriation send to future generations in Mexico, both in terms of cultural heritage and the value of accountability?
* **Dr. Garcia:** It sends a powerful message of hope. It shows that the fight to reclaim stolen heritage is ongoing and that international cooperation can yield positive results. It also underscores the importance of valuing and protecting our cultural treasures for future generations.
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Bragg, what are your hopes for the future of cultural heritage protection? What message do you have for those who might be tempted to purchase or sell looted artifacts?
* **Mr. Bragg:** My hope is for a future where cultural heritage is treated with the respect it deserves, wheremuseums are filled with objects obtained ethically and legally. To those tempted to buy or sell looted artifacts: know that you are contributing to a destructive cycle of theft and cultural erasure.
**Conclusion:**
The repatriation of these 30 artifactsserves as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage protection and the power of international collaboration. We thank Dr. Garcia and Mr. Bragg for their insights into this important issue.
