In an act of heritage restitution, the German government handed over to the Colombian State three pre-Columbian ethnographic pieces that are part of the ritual trousseau of the Kogi people.
These pieces, which had remained in the Berlin Ethnological Museum for 109 yearswere returned in the context of COP16, an event in which both countries recognized the Kogui as custodians of the megadiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and its territories.
The return ceremony was held in the Chamber Room of the Fine Arts Auditorium in Cali on October 29. Alhena Caicedo Fernández, director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), expressed that this action represents “the commitment of the current government to recognize the ethnic and cultural diversity of Colombia, as a constitutive part of that megabiodiversity that we celebrate today as hosts of the COP16”.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jorge Rojas, also participated in the event, who highlighted that this delivery symbolizes respect for traditions. and knowledge of ancestral peoples in environmental conservation. “We are returning the heritage to its original people and recognizing their knowledge in the conservation of biodiversity,” said Rojas.
Symbols of Kogi culture return to their roots
The returned pieces include a command staff, a rattan backpack and a basket, objects that were brought to Germany at the beginning of the 20th century by archaeologist Konrad Theodor Preuss. These are added to other elements of great symbolic value, such as the sun mask and the large solo mask, which were returned to Colombia in 2023 and delivered directly to President Gustavo Petro in Berlin, who then returned them to the Kogi people on June 28. of that year.
Representing Germany, Environment Minister Steffi Lemke said it was an honor to restore these objects: “These have a special meaning for the people and the place where they belong.” For his part, Lars-Christian Koch, director of the Ethnological Museum of Berlin, emphasized the importance of this event as an opportunity to strengthen understanding and coexistence between indigenous communities, science and academia.
The Kogi people receive their ancestral heritage
Before the attendees, the governor of the Kogui Indigenous Council, Arregoces Conchacala Zarabata, expressed his gratitude for the return of the pieces: “I dreamed of having these pieces back to our town. They arrive at a good time, when we are talking about biodiversity, because they are elements to celebrate nature. We are grateful for this act of delivery. It should be an example that, hopefully, future governments will continue to replicate.”
Interviewer: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Maria Fernanda Ruiz, an expert in indigenous rights and heritage restitution. She joins us to discuss the recent return of pre-Columbian artifacts to the Kogi people of Colombia by the German government. Dr. Ruiz, thank you for being here.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss such an important topic.
Interviewer: The return of these pre-Columbian pieces has been described as an act of heritage restitution. Can you explain what that means in the context of cultural heritage?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. Heritage restitution refers to the process of returning cultural artifacts to their rightful owners — in this case, the Kogi people, who have been custodians of these objects for generations. These items are not merely artifacts; they embody the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Kogi. Their return is a significant step towards acknowledging and restoring historical injustices.
Interviewer: These pieces had been in the Berlin Ethnological Museum for 109 years. What does their return signify, not only for the Kogi but for Colombia as a whole?
Dr. Ruiz: Their return symbolizes recognition and respect for indigenous peoples and their rights. It highlights Colombia’s commitment to embracing its ethnic and cultural diversity as integral components of its identity. During the recent COP16, this action also reiterated the Kogi’s vital role in conserving the megadiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, emphasizing that their ancestral knowledge is crucial for environmental conservation.
Interviewer: At the return ceremony, Alhena Caicedo Fernández, the director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, spoke about the government’s commitment to this cause. How important is this acknowledgment from governmental bodies?
Dr. Ruiz: It’s incredibly important. Institutional recognition is a key factor in empowering indigenous communities. When government officials, like Vice Minister Jorge Rojas, publicly affirm their respect for indigenous traditions and knowledge, it creates a framework for future collaborations. It fosters a relationship where indigenous perspectives are valued and informs national policies on cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
Interviewer: You mentioned the Kogi’s role in biodiversity conservation. Can you elaborate on what unique insights they offer based on their traditional knowledge?
Dr. Ruiz: The Kogi people see themselves as guardians of nature. Their understanding of the ecosystem is profound, shaped by centuries of interaction with their environment. They practice sustainable agriculture and resource management, which is invaluable in today’s context of climate change and biodiversity loss. By integrating this traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices, we can create more effective strategies for environmental conservation.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope comes from this restoration of cultural heritage, both for the Kogi and for other indigenous communities worldwide?
Dr. Ruiz: I hope this sets a precedent for other nations to acknowledge and rectify historical injustices concerning indigenous peoples. Heritage restitution should not only be about returning artifacts; it should foster a broader dialogue about cultural rights, environmental stewardship, and integrating indigenous knowledge into policymaking. The Kogi’s example can inspire a movement towards greater global recognition and respect for indigenous communities and their invaluable contributions to society.
Interviewer: Dr. Ruiz, thank you for your insights. This topic is not just about the past, but about shaping a future where cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom are respected. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these crucial issues.