Eleven archaeological objects will return to the land where they were created hundreds of years ago and from where they subsequently traveled internationally. This collection of artifacts was in the possession of Austro-Dutch physician Hans Feriz. His family recently completed the process of voluntary restitution of the artifacts to Costa Rica.
The process involved identification of the artifacts by experts from the Universities of Kansas and Leiden. The National Museum of Costa Rica also confirmed the investigative work.
An act of cultural and historical justice
In addition to the Museum, the Costa Rican Embassy in the Netherlands, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dutch entities participated in the recovery. Authorities described the return of the archaeological artifacts as “an act of cultural and historical justice.”
Living testaments to our roots
“These objects are living testaments to our roots and the spirituality of our indigenous peoples. Their return strengthens our identity and cultural heritage,” explained Ambassador Arnoldo Brenes.
