The Mexican government is set to welcome back 20 cultural artifacts that have historical significance dating back to Mexico’s ancient past. These artifacts, found in the United States, include a Mayan vase over 1,000 years old that was purchased for about $4 at a thrift shop in the Washington area.
INAH, Mexico’s antiquities institute, announced the repatriation of these artifacts, which also consist of centuries-old plates, bowls, and sculpted figures from the Aztec, Totonac, and Teotihuacan cultures, in a statement released on Thursday.
The artifacts are scheduled to be returned to Mexico in the coming days, with a particular focus on the reddish-white Mayan vase.
The Mayan vase, likely crafted during the Maya civilization’s classical zenith between 200–800 A.D., is a well-preserved polychrome vessel adorned with ornate glyphs and depicting seated figures in profile gesturing with their hands, as confirmed by INAH.
Mexico’s rich cultural heritage includes major Mayan cities that flourished over 3,000 years ago in present-day southern Mexico and parts of Central America, showcasing significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and art.
Earlier this year, after a visit to Mexico City, local resident Anna Lee Dozier realized the historical value of the Mayan vase she had purchased for $3.99 from a thrift store clearance rack five years ago. She promptly informed Mexico’s U.S. embassy and later handed over the artifact to Mexican officials in Washington, expressing her belief that it should be returned to its country of origin.
Ms. Dozier also shared her relief that the ancient artifact was no longer at risk in her home, especially from her two young boys, joking, “I was petrified that after two thousand years I would be the one to wreck it!”
