Manhattan D.A. Bragg announces return of 30 Antiquities to Mexico

The pieces were seized pursuant to multiple ongoing investigations into looting and trafficking networks targeting South and Central American cultural heritage. The pieces were returned at a ceremony with Acting Consul General Joaquín Gerardo Pastrana Uranga and Alexandra deArmas, Group Supervisor, Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group at Homeland Security Investigations, New York.

“The pieces being returned today reflect the depth and beauty of this ancient cultural heritage. There are unfortunately many more pieces looted from Mexico that are still sitting in galleries, homes and auction houses, and we will continue to track them down with our law enforcement partners at HSI,” said District Attorney Bragg.

“Standing side-by-side with our domestic and foreign partners, HSI New York has successfully linked one antiquities trafficking network to over a dozen countries and thousands of artifacts — including those returned to the People of Mexico today,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker. “The repatriation of these 30 pieces is the culmination of months, if not years, spent seeking the truth on behalf of an entire nation. HSI New York’s Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and our global counterparts refuse to stand idly by as bad actors commodify history with impunity,” said Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker, HSI New York.

“The repatriation of these artifacts represents a profound commitment to justice and cultural preservation. Each piece is a part of Mexico’s history and identity, and their return will inspire future generations. We are deeply grateful to the Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their remarkable and commendable efforts to recover and protect the cultural heritage of nations. Their work not only uplifts our shared history but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and collaboration between our countries,” said Acting Consul General Joaquín Pastrana Uranga.

These types of Mesoamerican artefacts have been sought after by looters in Mexico throughout the 20^th century and into the 21^st. They were smuggled into the United States where they were laundered by various dealers using fabricated provenance and false appraisals.

Main Image: Anthropomorphic Turtle