A German woman who inherited valuable pre-Hispanic archaeological artefacts in her father’s estate has voluntarily handed them back to Mexican officials.
According to the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the three artefacts that in one case are up to 1,800 years old were voluntarily handed over to the Mexican Embassy by the young woman identified only as Brigitte K.
The Mexican Embassy in Germany wrote on social media: “Ambassador Granguillhome has received the pre-Hispanic objects from Mrs Brigitte K. that will be returned to Mexico.
The pre-Hispanic objects recovered by Mexico 
The pre-Hispanic objects recovered by Mexico
“The three objects belonged to the woman’s father and she has decided that they should go back to Mexico so that Mexican people can enjoy them.”
The pictures show Ambassador Rogelio Granguillhome and Brigitte K. signing an agreement to return the items. It is unclear how Brigitte K.’s father acquired the items.
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has confirmed that the three pieces have a pre-Hispanic origin and are of national archaeological importance.
According to the INAH, the artefacts include a 33-centimetre high clay bust that dates back between 500 and 900 AD from a pre-Hispanic region known as Mixtequilla which is located in the Mexican state of Veracruz.
There is also a 20-centimetre tall vase from between 200 and 500 AD from the state of Oaxaca that was made by the Zapotec civilisation.
The third item is a 15-centimetre clay human figure which currently has an unknown origin, according to reports.
Brigitte K. returning the three pieces back to the Mexican Embassy in Germany 
The pre-Hispanic objects recovered by Mexico
In another case, local media said that the INAH filed a complaint against a French auction house based in Paris on 3rd January for selling 28 objects of Mexican origin believed to be of archaeological importance.
The French attorney general’s office has launched an investigation into the incident, according to reports.
The Mexican authorities are said to be attempting to retrieve historical items from numerous European institutions.
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Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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