2024-09-28 04:53:26
This operation involves archaeological and ethnographic pieces of great historical value, including items from the collection of the American James Lawrence and an anonymous collection.
More than 100 cultural assets from private collections in the United States have been repatriated to Colombia.
James Lawrence, who was part of the Peace Corps in Putumayo between 1970 and 1972, acquired several funerary goods in local markets during his stay in Colombia.commonly known as “huacas”. In 1972, Lawrence took these pieces to New York, where they remained for decades. Objects include masks, clay figurines and other items of great cultural relevance.
Following Lawrence’s death in June 2023, his stepdaughter, Jessica Lawrence, contacted the Colombian Embassy in Washington upon identifying these assets. as part of the Colombian cultural heritage. The subsequent evaluation carried out by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) confirmed its historical and archaeological value, paving the way for its return.
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The role of private collections in the recovery of heritage
In addition to the Lawrence collection, a second repatriation took place in March 2024 when several anonymous pieces were delivered to the Colombian Embassy in the United States. Many of these were also identified as part of the national archaeological heritage, which underlines the importance of this joint effort for the protection and recovery of Colombia’s cultural history.
The Colombian ambassador to the United States, Daniel García-Peña, highlighted the importance of this process by stating: “The repatriation of these 115 cultural assets marks progress in the protection of Colombian heritage and a clear example of international cooperation. We thank the private collections that have contributed to this recovery and the strengthening of our historical memory.
García-Peña also called on other private collections that may guard Colombian pieces, inviting them to collaborate to facilitate their return: “With this, we preserve our cultural heritage, a collective effort that also reinforces bilateral ties and respect for the global heritage.
In a symbolic gesture, the repatriated pieces arrived in Colombia aboard the presidential plane, which was returning from the United Nations General Assembly, which adds special symbolism to this operation. These assets, which were part of the historical and cultural memory of Colombia, now join the heritage preservation and recovery efforts that the country is carrying out, with the support of international institutions and actors.
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