Panama, 4 September 2024. The National Government, through collaborative work between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, has received 13 pre-Columbian ceramic archaeological pieces that have been repatriated from Canada. These pieces, with great historic value, are fundamental to our country's cultural heritage.

The repatriation of these pieces was achieved through the efforts of international security agencies and stations, who conduct awareness campaigns about the importance of giving back significant pieces of the historic and cultural heritage of their countries of origin.

The Minister Maruja Herrera, representing the National Government, received the 13 pieces, which will be processed for their formal registration by the Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture. Once this process has been completed, the entity will determine the most suitable place for its stabilization and conservation, representing a significant finding for the preservation of the Panamanian cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Culture has a technical team of highly trained professionals, who will conduct his or her management, create technical information sheets, set his or her period and put them into an inventory of the nation's property.

The National Cultural Heritage Section stated that the restitution of cultural pieces contributes to the restoration of historic injustices and helps to uphold cultural identity and national pride, in short, is to restore our nation's cultural sovereignty.

“With the restitution of archaeological pieces, the Ministry of Culture facilitates the education and preservation of traditions and serves to promote cultural tourism and local development of communities."stated Minister Herrera.

Minister Herrera added that "The restoration of these pieces strengthens the cultural identity of the country and helps to heal historic injuries and promotes greater social and cultural cohesion while improving international relations through a respectful dialogue”.

The Ministry of Culture, as a regent entity for the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage, takes this opportunity to call upon national and foreign citizens to assist with the repatriation and return of artifacts and pieces originating in Panama.

Currently, Panama continues to repatriate 173 other pieces of monolito, ceramics, wood, chaquira, mud and mola, found in Colombia, Spain and Mexico.

The National Government was also committed to other countries to facilitating the return of parts of their own historic legacy.

The Minister, Maruja Herrera, emphasized and commended the commitment and work undertaken by the team of the Ministry of Culture, Customs and Foreign Affairs, especially the Panama Consulate in Toronto, so that these pieces will be back in the country.