The San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM) announces the repatriation of 1,294 archaeological objects from Mexico coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.
This process was supported by San Bernardino County of Supervisors, Consulate of Mexico in San Bernardino, and the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH).
“Today’s an important day of respect and culture and patronizing the great things that are happening. Just think about the things that Latinos, Hispanics, Mexican Americans have fought for in our history. The great Cesar Chavez fought for social justice, civil rights to make sure that we have equality.” said San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “We fully support the museum’s recommendation to transfer this cultural material, especially in light of the considerable meaning they hold for our partner.”
“Working with the Consulate of Mexico has been an incredible example of what a successful partnership looks like, in that most items of cultural and spiritual importance are returning to Mexico, while other, mainly replicas, will stay here in Redlands, so that this community can see itself reflected in the museum.” said Museum Chief Deputy and Curator of Anthropology Tamara Serrao-Leiva. “While matters of return can be difficult and weighty, in this case working with the Consulate of Mexico and INAH has been one of collaboration, support, and trust; one that we look forward to nurturing.”
The collection includes various objects of common and ceremonial use, statuettes, vessels, necklaces, bracelets, ceramic and copper bells, remains from funerary burials, wind musical instruments, different work tools, objects used in the manufacture of clothing, arrowheads, among others.
The repatriation took place on September 15, a date 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 US society and history, and the celebration in Mexico of the historic El Grito de Independencia, which in 1810 marked the beginning of the feat that would culminate in 1821 with the birth of independent Mexico, exactly 202 years ago.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.