The Australian Government has returned 5 pre-Hispanic era objects to the Government of the Republic of Peru.

Two ceramic tablets and stone plaque with intricate painted details
Image credit: Two painted ceramic tablets and stone plaque from the Chuquibamba culture. Late Intermediate Period (1000-1476 CE).

The 5 culturally significant objects were exported from Peru in breach of its cultural property laws.

The Australian Government seized the objects and returned them to the Peruvian government under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 (the Act).

The 5 returned objects are:

  • Two painted ceramic tablets and a painted stone plaque from the Chuquibamba culture, developed in the South Coast of Peru during the Late Intermediate Period (1000-1476 CE). These objects feature animal and human-like figures in a striking checkerboard pattern.
  • A silver cup in the Lambayeque or Sicán style from the North Coast of Peru, also made during the Late Intermediate Period. The Lambayeque culture was known for its advanced metalwork and producing exquisite gold, silver, and copper objects.
  • A Nazca pottery stirrup vessel with a bridged double-spout handle, made in the South Coast of Peru during the Early Intermediate Period (200 BCE–600 CE). It depicts 3 serpents emerging from a feline deity.

  The Act provides for the return of foreign cultural property which has been illegally exported from other countries and imported into Australia.

Discover other returned items on our Returns of foreign cultural property page.

Find out more