formally handed over 281 assets belonging to Peru's national heritage repatriated from the United States to
U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro attended the event as well.
The ceremony reaffirmed the Peruvian State's commitment to recovering its historical heritage.
The repatriation of said pieces was the result of close coordination between Peru's Foreign Affairs and Culture Ministries, supported by efforts from the Embassy in the U.S., as well as the Consulates General in Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
The effort also involved collaboration from the State Department, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, as well as universities, museums, and U.S. citizens.
During his remarks, Minister Pareja underscored that the fight against illicit trafficking is a shared responsibility with the U.S.
"Through the implementation of a series of agreements, we have effectively restricted the unauthorized import of Peruvian archaeological and ethnological materials into the United States," he noted.
Among the returned pieces, the career diplomat highlighted the colonial-era paintings "Virgen Dolorosa" (Virgin of Sorrows) and "San Jose" (Saint Joseph), as well as religious garments and liturgical objects.
The recovered archaeological collection features textile fragments, metal tools—such as tupus and harpoons—and ceremonial ceramics from the Nasca, Moche, Vicus, Wari, Chimu and Inca cultures, alongside traditional Chancay "cuchimilcos."
In turn, the Culture Minister recognized the commitment shown by U.S. citizens, noting that 139 of the pieces were voluntarily returned.
She also highlighted that cooperation between both countries against trafficking in cultural assets has enabled the repatriation of more than 3,800 pieces since 2018.
This event was held at Torre Tagle Palace in Lima on Monday afternoon.
Finally, as part of cooperation between Peru and the United States, the Foreign Affairs and Culture ministries, together with the U.S. Embassy, will hold a course on illicit trafficking of cultural heritage this Tuesday.
The workshop aims to strengthen officials' capabilities to address new challenges in the field.