Argentina returns 84 ancient artifacts to Peru
18:46 | Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dec. 11.
Argentina has returned 84 Peruvian cultural heritage items —in perfect condition— belonging to diverse pre-Hispanic cultures including Moche, Chimu, Nazca, Inca, Vicus, and Chancay.
It should be noted some of these objects are over 2,000 years old.
The artifacts were handed over to Peruvian Ambassador Peter Camino at a ceremony presided over by Argentina's Culture Minister Pablo Avelluto —who was joined by said country's authorities linked to the protection of historical and cultural heritage.
According to senior officials from both nations, the restitution proves the high-level cooperation between the two countries.
Furthermore, they highlighted the effectiveness in the application of international mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage, adding it is important to consider a second set of measures to fight smuggling in a better way.
The handover ceremony included 8 antiquities involved in two legal processes —dating back to 2003 and 2004— while Argentinean Lucas Perez voluntarily returned 76 items.
The 84 objects will be repatriated to Peru in order to be officially handed over to the Inca nation's Culture Ministry.
(END) NDP/DTK/RMB