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 You are in: Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs: Press Relations Office > Press Releases (Other) > 2002 > March 
Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 28, 2002


United States and Peru Extend Agreement to Protect Peruvian Cultural Heritage

The United States and Peru have extended a Memorandum of Understanding that restricts the importation of Pre-Columbian archaeological material and ethnological Colonial material into the United States without an export permit issued by Peru. The extension occurred on the occasion of the visit to Peru by President George W. Bush on March 23.

The Memorandum emphasizes the rich accomplishments of ancient Peruvians, covering archaeological remains of ancient cultures -- such as the Chavin, Paracas, Moche, Cuzco, and Incas -- that developed in Peru from approximately 12,000 B.C. to A.D. 1532. The U.S.-Peru agreement also protects certain ethnological material produced during the Colonial period (A.D. 1532-1821) that is directly related to the pre-Columbian past such as Colonial paintings and sculpture with distinct indigenous iconography. Over time, systematic pillage of archaeological sites in Peru and removal of ethnological Colonial material important to the religious and social practices of indigenous populations have caused irreparable loss to history and traditional practices. Protection of these materials permits alternative and constructive access to it for cultural, educational, and scientific purposes.

"This Memorandum demonstrates our respect for Peruvian cultural heritage and offers the opportunity for Peru to develop long-term solutions for safeguarding its unique ancient past," said Patricia S. Harrison, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. "These cultural resources are non-renewable and important not only to Peruvians but also to human development throughout the hemisphere."

The U.S. Customs Service has published in the Federal Register a designated list of the categories of material that are restricted from import into the United States. More information is available at http://exchanges.state.gov/education/culprop.

Media Contact: Catherine Stearns, U.S. Department of State, phone 202-203-5107.

 


Released on March 28, 2002

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