Mexican government recovers artifacts held by private collectors in California

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SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — The Mexican Consulate in San Diego has recovered 65 archeological pieces taken from Mexico years ago and held in California private collections.

Norm Werthman and Pete Mechalas, both U.S. citizens and residents of San Diego County, voluntarily turned over the pieces hoping they’d be returned to Mexico, said Carlos González Gutiérrez, Mexico’s Consul General in San Diego.

“I’m grateful to these San Diego residents for their generous gesture and willingness to return the artifacts to the Mexican people,” said González. “This is part of an ongoing effort by the Mexican Government to recover historic archeological pieces that are part of our nation’s heritage.”

Some of the 65 artifacts from Mexico returned by private collectors in San Diego.
(Courtesy: Mexican Consulate in San Diego)

González stated the artifacts have been analyzed by Mexico’s Secretary of Culture and the National Institute of Anthropology and History.