As cultural milestone, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador handed over nine archaeological artifacts to the Ministry of Culture today. The artifacts, which hold historical significance for the indigenous peoples of El Salvador, were located in Italy and have now been returned to their homeland.

🇸🇻🇮🇹 Con el apoyo del gobierno de Italia, entregamos al Ministerio de @culturasv 9 piezas arqueológicas recuperadas en ese país europeo.

En el evento, se reafirmó el compromiso con la búsqueda, rescate y conservación de nuestro patrimonio.

Ampliamos: https://t.co/NVu00VBCje pic.twitter.com/BAR4H353pP

— Cancillería de El Salvador 🇸🇻 (@cancilleriasv) August 21, 2024

The official handover ceremony was led by Cindy Mariella Portal, the Vice Minister for Diaspora and Human Mobility, alongside Raúl Neftalí Castillo Rosales, the Minister of Culture. The artifacts will be preserved and displayed at the National Museum of Anthropology Dr. David J. Guzmán in San Salvador, where both Salvadorans and international visitors can appreciate them.

Vice Minister Portal expressed her pride in being part of this historic repatriation, emphasizing the importance of protecting El Salvador’s cultural heritage. «These pieces underwent rigorous archaeological and specialized expert examination in Italy. Now, they will be accessible to our people and visitors alike,» she stated.

She also thanked the Italian government for their unwavering support in safeguarding these artifacts and ensuring their return. The collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, which oversaw the verification and documentation of the artifacts, and the Salvadoran Embassy in Italy was crucial in facilitating the process. «Our embassy in Italy played a fundamental role, linking national institutions with the relevant authorities in Italy,» Portal added.

Italian Ambassador to El Salvador, Paolo Emanuele Rozo, highlighted the cultural significance of the return of these heritage items and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Italy and El Salvador. «These nine works are in an extraordinary state of preservation and form part of El Salvador’s rich historical heritage,» he remarked.

El Salvador’s Ambassador to Italy, Efrén Bernal, also extended his gratitude to the Italian authorities for their collaboration throughout the recovery process.

The event was attended by Italian diplomats stationed in El Salvador, as well as special guests, marking the successful conclusion of the repatriation of these invaluable cultural artifacts.