By Ricardo Roura
04 Oct 2023, 19:57 PM EDT
In the framework of Hispanic Heritage Month, The San Bernardino County Museum reported this Wednesday, October 4, the return to Mexico of 1,294 archaeological objects.
During the process of returning the parts they offered their support the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino and the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH).
“Today is an important day of respect, culture and condescension for the great things that are happening. Just think about the things Latinos, Hispanics, and Mexican Americans have fought for throughout our history. The great Cesar Chavez fought for social justice and civil rights to ensure we have equality,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca.
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The supervisor added that full support was given to the museum’s recommendation to transfer the cultural piecesespecially in light of the considerable significance they hold for Mexico.
Among the pieces included in the collection that were returned include objects of common and ceremonial use, figurines, vessels, necklaces, bracelets, ceramic and copper bells, remains of funerary burials, wind musical instruments, various work tools, objects used in the making of clothing and arrowheadsamong others.
“Working with the Mexican Consulate has been an incredible example of what a successful partnership looks like, in that most items of cultural and spiritual importance return to Mexico, while others, mainly replicas, will stay here in Redlands , so that this community can see itself reflected in the museum,” said the deputy head of the museum and curator of Anthropology, Tamara Serrao-Leiva.
“Although return issues can be difficult and burdensome, in this case working with the Mexican Consulate and the INAH has been collaborative, supportive and trustworthy, and which we hope to nurture,” added the deputy head of the museum.
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San Bernardino County officials reported this Wednesday that the return of the pieces occurred on September 15, 2023date on which two notable events coincide: the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States, which celebrates the successive contributions of the Spanish-speaking community to society and American historyas well as the celebration in Mexico of the Cry of Independence of 1810, which began the movement that would culminate in 1821 with the birth of independent Mexico.
The San Bernardino County Museum offers natural, cultural and regional history exhibitsas well as other events and programs that reflect the efforts of the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision in celebrating the arts, culture and education, to advance the quality of life of residents and its visitors.
Keep reading:
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· Biden defends the “Hispanic heritage” as the heritage of the United States
· Long live Mexico, long live!