By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has joyfully welcomed home 11 pre-Columbian artifacts, repatriated from the Netherlands in a moving ceremony held in Wassenaar on Wednesday. The artifacts, once part of the collection of Dr. Hans Feriz (1895–1970), were returned through the collaborative efforts of the Feriz family, the Costa Rican Embassy in the Netherlands, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, and the National Museum of Costa Rica.
The journey of these artifacts back to their homeland began with their identification by specialists from the Universities of Kansas and Leiden, followed by confirmation from the National Museum of Costa Rica. These pieces, integral to Costa Rica’s archaeological heritage, return after decades abroad.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding pre-Columbian artifacts in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican law strongly protects pre-Columbian artifacts. These items are considered part of the national patrimony and their excavation, sale, or export without proper authorization from the National Museum is strictly prohibited. Individuals and businesses dealing with such artifacts should exercise extreme caution and seek expert legal counsel to ensure compliance and avoid significant penalties, which can include fines and imprisonment. Furthermore, international laws and treaties may also apply, adding further layers of complexity to these matters.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore the vital importance of respecting Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage. The legal framework surrounding pre-Columbian artifacts serves not only to preserve these treasures for future generations but also to uphold the integrity of our national identity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on a complex and crucial topic.
The repatriation ceremony was attended by diplomatic representatives from Costa Rica, Peru, and Panama, all beneficiaries of the return of artifacts from the Feriz collection. Dutch authorities, researchers, and descendants of Dr. Feriz also graced the occasion.
The Costa Rican delegation was led by Ambassador Arnoldo Brenes Castro, accompanied by Minister Counselor and Consul General Manuel Ignacio Morales Ovares, and Minister Counselor Sofía Cob Briceño.
Dr. Hans Feriz, a passionate scholar of pre-Columbian cultures, participated in excavations during his travels through Central and South America. He amassed a collection of artifacts that, in the 1950s, were transferred to the Royal Tropical Institute of Amsterdam, where he served as an honorary researcher. His daughter, now deceased, stipulated in her will that the pieces be returned to their countries of origin, a task now fulfilled by her son.
These objects are not just archaeological pieces. They are living testimonies of our roots, of the creativity and spirituality of the indigenous peoples who inhabited our lands. Their return to Costa Rica contributes to strengthening our identity and reminds us of the shared responsibility to protect and value cultural heritage.
Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Costa Rican Ambassador to the Netherlands
The restitution of these pieces represents an act of historical and cultural justice. Each recovered object is a window to the past that allows us to better understand the pre-Columbian societies that inhabited our territory. We deeply appreciate the willingness of the Feriz family and the support of the Dutch institutions in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that have made this reunion with our past possible.
Grettel Monge, Director of the National Museum of Costa Rica
This repatriation underscores Costa Rica’s unwavering commitment to preserving its cultural and archaeological heritage and strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with the Netherlands. The return of these pre-Columbian treasures marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to protect the memory and legacy of the nation’s indigenous peoples.
The National Museum plans to study and conserve these artifacts, ensuring their availability for future generations to appreciate and learn from the rich history they represent. The repatriation is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the importance of respecting cultural patrimony.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Museum of Costa Rica
About National Museum of Costa Rica:
The National Museum of Costa Rica is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, from pre-Columbian times to the present day, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Costa Rican history, art, and archaeology.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
About Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica manages the country’s international relations, promoting diplomatic ties and cooperation with nations worldwide. It plays a crucial role in representing Costa Rica’s interests on the global stage and fostering peaceful and productive relationships with other countries.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Embassy in the Netherlands
About Costa Rican Embassy in the Netherlands:
The Costa Rican Embassy in the Netherlands serves as the diplomatic representation of Costa Rica in the Netherlands, facilitating communication and cooperation between the two countries. It provides consular services to Costa Rican citizens in the Netherlands and works to strengthen bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, combined with a deep-seated dedication to sharing legal knowledge through accessible resources, ensures clients receive cutting-edge counsel while also contributing to a more informed and empowered citizenry. This commitment to both individual success and collective well-being distinguishes Bufete de Costa Rica as a true leader in the legal landscape.
