Manhattan D.A. Bragg announces Return of Eight Antiquities to Peru

“I am proud that this is the second repatriation we have had with Peru under my administration,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Many of the objects being repatriated today are from areas of Peru that have been repeatedly targeted by looters, but today we were able to undo some of the harm they have caused.”

“The protection and preservation of Peru’s cultural heritage is a cornerstone of our nation’s identity and policy. The return of these eight astonishing artefacts, representing diverse Precolumbian Peruvian cultures, is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding out cultural patrimony. We are grateful to the United States and New York authorities for their collaboration in facilitating the return of these pieces. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to fighting the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, and we look forward to continuing this vital work together,” said Consul General Minister Oswaldo Del Águila Ramírez.

Many of the objects being repatriated today are from Peru’s North Coast, where local looters have destroyed countless archaeological sites over the past 50 years. These objects were then smuggled into the United States and laundered by dealers and collectors through false provenances, exhibitions, and museum donations.

Key pieces include:

• A Moche gilded copper mask dating to ca. 300 BCE, possibly depicting the god Aiapæc, who is often shown baring his fangs to ward off evil. Moche artists were remarkable metalworkers, employing sophisticated techniques such as electrochemical replacement plating, long before such processes were recognized elsewhere. This mask came from the heavily looted area of Loma Negra on the North Coast of Peru. Countless deep shaft tombs were plundered in the 1960s and 1970s, and hundreds of intricate metal objects like this mask were dispersed on the international art market.
• A Chavín effigy bottle dating to ca. 1000-700 BCE from Tembladera in the Jequetepeque Valley. It is a striking example of Chavín ceramics, with its spout shaped as a man’s head with a wide, gaping mouth. Tembladera was looted in the late 1960s during a severe drought that led many to turn to grave robbing.

Main Image: A Moche gilded copper mask