This is the second batch of pieces returned by Yale University following an agreement with the Peruvian government.

The 26 boxes containing the relics were welcomed back with a brief ceremony attended by Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad de Cusco (UNSAAC) Rector German Zecenarro, Yale archaeology professor Richard Burger, and the Heritage Director at Peru's Ministry of Culture Paloma Caicedo.

Zecenarro said that the repatriation of the Inca pieces is the result of a joint work of the Peruvian government, regional authorities, the UNSAAC and Yale; and noted it was a 'historic and unforgettable' day for the country.

The first shipment of artifacts, consisting of those suitable for museum display, arrived in Peru in March this year. Under the terms of the agreement, all of the artifacts will return to Peru by Dec. 31, 2012.

Some of the ceramics are now being shown at a temporary exhibition space called Casa Concha (pictured) in Cusco, while a new museum is being built to house the pieces once their return is complete.

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