Colombia has taken a new step in protecting its cultural heritage by securing the repatriation of 174 pre-Columbian archaeological pieces that were located in Chile. The return of these objects—belonging to ancestral cultures such as Tumaco-La Tolita, San Agustín, and Tayrona—was made possible through a process of diplomatic and cultural cooperation between the two countries, as well as the voluntary handover by the Errazuriz Cox family.
This collection of heritage assets is part of the historical legacy of the Indigenous peoples who inhabited Colombian territory before the arrival of Europeans. The pieces, which include ceramic figures, ritual objects, and everyday items, had remained outside the country for years in private collections and under the custody of institutions in Chile.
A key aspect in understanding this process is how these objects ended up abroad. The pieces were gathered over several decades by Chilean architect Jaime Errazuriz Zañartu and his family, who acquired them as part of a private collection. Over time, these items were preserved outside Colombia until a verification process confirmed their origin and enabled their eventual restitution.
Recovery process of the pre-Columbian pieces in Chile
The recovery of these 174 pieces represents a significant step forward in Colombia’s efforts to protect and repatriate its archaeological heritage. The process was led by institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), in coordination with Chilean cultural authorities.
One of the most important aspects of the case was verifying the origin of the artifacts, a crucial step to ensure that the objects indeed belonged to Colombia’s national heritage. Following this process, an agreement was reached that allowed for their formal and voluntary return.
The official handover took place during a ceremony led by Colombia’s ambassador to Chile, Sebastián Guanumen. The event was attended by diplomatic representatives, cultural authorities from both countries, and members of the donor family. This symbolic act reflected a shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and historical memory.
Recovered heritage and historical memory
The repatriated pieces hold not only archaeological value but also deep symbolic significance. They reflect the worldview, cultural practices, and ways of life of pre-Columbian civilizations from various regions of Colombia. Their return will allow them to be studied, preserved, and eventually displayed in museums across the country, where the public can engage with them.
In this regard, the artifacts will be placed under the care of ICANH, which will oversee their research, conservation, and public dissemination. As part of this process, plans include transferring the collection to the Tumaco-La Tolita Archaeological Museum, with the aim of reconnecting these pieces with their original cultural and territorial context.
Over the past five years, Colombia has intensified its efforts to recover cultural assets abroad. Between 2021 and 2026, the country has successfully repatriated more than 1,200 archaeological objects from countries such as Spain, Germany, the United States, Switzerland, and New Zealand. This ongoing effort has helped rebuild part of the nation’s dispersed heritage and strengthen its cultural identity.