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Australia has returned three looted ancient artefacts to Mexico after they were detected and seized by the Australian Border Force.
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The archaeological monuments; including a Aztec ceramic whistle, pair of green Olmec ear-shaped plaques and Zacatecas funerary bowl, were intercepted by Australian Border Force officers in 2023 while being illegally imported into the country from the United States.
A ceremony was held at the Embassy of Mexico in Canberra on 13 March to formally return culturally significant objects to their rightful home in Mexico through the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986. In addition, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Mexico.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the return demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting the world’s movable cultural heritage.
“These priceless objects tell the story of people’s ancestors from hundreds and thousands of years ago and returning them to the Mexican Government honours that history.
“We’re serious about protecting cultural heritage and returning objects to their rightful home.”
The ceremonial ceramic whistle, created in Mexico during the Aztec Empire, is dated approximately 1200–1521 CE.
The ear-shaped plaques made from metamorphic rock (jadeite or serpentinite) and likely formed part of an anthropomorphic mask, were made in Mexico during the Olmec civilisation between 1500–400 BCE.
The painted ceramic bowl is associated with a funerary tradition known as tumbas de tiro (shaft tombs) from the Zacatecas region of Mexico (100–500 CE).
Ambassador of Mexico to Australia, His Excellency Mr Ernesto Céspedes Oropeza, welcomed the return of these cultural objects to Mexico and expressed appreciation to the Australian Government for its cooperation.
“We are grateful to the Australian authorities for their collaboration and commitment in ensuring that these objects can return to Mexico, where they form part of the cultural heritage of our peoples and where their historical and cultural significance can continue to be studied and appreciated by future generations.
“These objects are more than archaeological pieces. They represent the history, creativity and identity of the civilisations that flourished in Mexico long before our time.”
“International cooperation, such as the one we see today between Australia and Mexico, is essential to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural property and to safeguard our shared human heritage.”
“As our countries mark the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations tomorrow, this collaboration highlights the strong partnership between Mexico and Australia and the value of working together to protect cultural heritage.”
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