15:02 | Chiclayo (Lambayeque region), May. 14.
An American citizen decided to return 10 archaeological artifacts —9 owl heads and 1 copper disc ornament from Mochica and Lambayeque cultures— to Lambayeque-based Lord of Sipan Royal Tombs Museum after 28 years.
A few days ago, museum director Walter Alva received a package from Charles Llewellyn, a 60-year-old who told Alva about the objects in a previous visit to Peru three months ago.
Llewellyn acquired the artifacts from a cultural property dealer in Lima 28 years ago so, during his last visit to Lambayeque city, he promised to send them back.
"This is a way to repatriate what looting of cultural heritage meant at that time," the archaeologist said.
Based on their style and form, objects seem to be owl head-like rattle ornaments that must have been looted from Lambayeque region.
"They resemble [Lord of] Sipan pieces and might belong to other tombs around him," Alva affirmed.
Owl images are of particular significance, because they are associated with night, priest worships.
"Owl heads are believed to be 1300-1400 years old and the Lambayeque culture copper disc ornament would date back 700 years," he pointed out.
(END) SDC/TMC/RMB
Published: 5/14/2017