A 2,000-year-old ancient Peruvian artifact is heading home after being recovered from a Montreal auction house, the RCMP announced Aug. 17.
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The pre-Hispanic Nasca-style bowl was returned to Peruvian officials through a joint RCMP crime initiative.
Peruvian authorities first spotted the item in late June after it was listed for sale at an auction house as part of a three-bowl lot. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, officials from the Embassy of Peru in Canada sent a diplomatic note to Global Affairs Canada requesting its return under the 1970 UNESCO Convention.
The seller, a Montreal resident who had inherited the artifact, agreed to relinquish the item voluntarily after discussions with law enforcement and Peruvian officials. The auction house suspended the sale and the artifact was handed over to the RCMP.
“The bowl itself may be small, but it is part of a much larger story which informs the history of Peru and its people,” said Insp. Dawn Morris-Little, director of financial crime for the RCMP. “It is satisfying for us to contribute to its safe return. This successful repatriation demonstrates the value of cooperation between law enforcement, governments, cultural institutions and private individuals.”
The bowl was officially handed over to the Peruvian Consulate in Montreal on July 16. While the possessor received no financial compensation, the Peruvian government provided a formal letter of thanks.
Police say no criminal charges were laid in connection with the recovery.
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