On Wednesday, France returned a total of 133 pre-Columbian archaeological pieces to Honduras, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of archaeological research in Honduras. The pieces had been in a museum in Paris since the 1980s.
The delivery took place during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honduras, attended by the French ambassador, Cédric Prieto, and the Honduran chancellor, Enrique Reina. Among the returned objects are pieces of obsidian, ceramics, carved figures, and a grinding stone, which are integral parts of the Honduran cultural heritage.
"We want to thank the people of France who demonstrate a vital achievement to improve and deepen relations that are not only commercial and political but also cultural," said Enrique Reina, the Honduran chancellor, according to Le Monde. He emphasized that this act strengthens the cultural ties between the two nations.
"These are symbolic objects that are very important. The heritage of Honduras is exceptional," stated Cédric Prieto, the French ambassador. Prieto also recalled that France has been supporting archaeological research in Africa and Latin America, indicating a broader commitment to preserving and respecting cultural heritage worldwide.
The archaeological pieces had remained in the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris since the 1980s and were part of its collection. The transfer of the pieces out of Honduras occurred at a time when the Honduran state did not have a regulatory framework regarding the export of archaeological objects. This lack of regulation in earlier decades facilitated the movement of cultural property out of the country.
A researcher from the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History (IHAH) identified the presence of the pieces in the museum's collection. Specifically, Marie Kolbenstetter from Leiden University identified pieces from Honduras during a visit to a Paris museum and notified the IHAH, leading to recovery efforts. This discovery prompted the IHAH to reach out to the French museum.
The IHAH contacted the museum, which responded favorably and approved the restitution of 133 pieces in September 2023. The approval reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in the protection of cultural heritage.
The pre-Columbian archaeological pieces originated from archaeological sites in the departments of Valle, Choluteca, and Comayagua in Honduras. These regions are known for their rich archaeological sites that provide insights into the pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America. In Los Naranjos, for instance, pieces from the Maya and Olmec civilizations have been discovered. The first archaeological investigations were initiated in the sector of Los Naranjos in central Honduras.
France has carried out multiple returns of archaeological and artistic goods over the years. In 2021, the French government returned a set of 26 pieces of art to Benin that had been looted during the colonial era.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
