D.A. Bragg Announces Return Of Nine Antiquities To The People Of Costa Rica

Pictured: Mace Head

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the return of nine antiquities to the people of Costa Rica. These objects were seized pursuant to multiple ongoing investigations into looting and trafficking networks targeting South and Central American cultural heritage. These objects were allegedly smuggled into the United States and laundered by dealers and collectors through false provenances, exhibitions, and museum donations.

"I am thrilled that these nine pieces are being returned in what is our first repatriation with Costa Rica," said District Attorney Bragg. "I am grateful to all of the investigators and prosecutors who developed this complex and multi-faceted investigation."

Quote from Consul General, Ambassador Mabel Segura Fernández: "The dedication and commitment of the Manhattan D.A. and the Antiquities Trafficking Unit have made possible an invaluable achievement. It is a gesture of justice, of respect, and of friendship that strengthens the ties between our nations and honors the principle that cultural heritage must be preserved for generations to come."

Key pieces include:

• Six jade Celts (axes). These decorative axe-shaped pendants, which date to ca. 600-1000 CE, are among the best-known and most frequently looted antiquities from ancient Costa Rica. Made from jade, these exquisite Celts were carved to represent human or animal figures. They were typically deposited in tombs along with other objects made from precious stone, such as the jade Mace Head also being repatriated today.

Pictured: Jade Celt

During District Attorney Bragg's tenure, the ATU has recovered approximately 2,400 antiquities stolen from 47 countries and valued at $260 million. Since its creation, the ATU has convicted 18 individuals of cultural property-related crimes, recovered approximately 6,100 antiquities valued at $480 million, and has returned approximately 5,750 of them so far to 31 countries.

The investigations were conducted by Chief of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit and Senior Trial Counsel Matthew Bogdanos, and Assistant District Attorneys James Edwards-Lebair and Taylor Holland; Investigative Analyst Charlotte Looram; District Attorney Investigator John Paul Labbat; and Special Agent Robert Fromkin of Homeland Security Investigations.

###