Museum returns archaeological objects to Mexico

Nearly thirteen hundred archaeological artefacts have been returned to Mexican authorities by the San Bernardino County Museum.

The repatriation ceremony, held on September 15, coincided with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US and Mexican Independence Day and was supported by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the Consulate of Mexico in San Bernardino and the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH).

The collection included various objects of common and ceremonial use, statuettes, vessels, necklaces, bracelets, ceramic and copper bells, remains from funerary burials, wind musical instruments, different work tools, objects used in the manufacture of clothing, and arrowheads.

“Working with the Consulate of Mexico has been an incredible example of what a successful partnership looks like, in that most items of cultural and spiritual importance are returning to Mexico, while other, mainly replicas, will stay here in Redlands, so that this community can see itself reflected in the museum,” said Museum Chief Deputy and Curator of Anthropology Tamara Serrao-Leiva. “While matters of return can be difficult and weighty, in this case working with the Consulate of Mexico and INAH has been one of collaboration, support and trust; one that we look forward to nurturing.”

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.