Inca artefacts to return to Peru: 18-09-2007
Thousands of Inca relics are to be given back to Peru from Yale University.
It is believed that over 4,000 artefacts, including bones, jewellery and statutes, were excavated from Machu Picchu by history professor Hiram Bingham over a four year period starting in 1911. Last year, authorities in Peru called on the US to return the items to their original home and it looks like this will now happen after months of discussions between the two parties.
As part of the new arrangement, Yale will act as a main advisor for the creation of a new museum close to Machu Picchu and it is thought that a large number of the returned relics will be put on permanent display.
"We aim to create a new model for resolving competing interests in cultural property," explained Yale's president, Richard C Levin.
He added: "This can best be achieved by building a collaborative relationship - one which involves scholars and researchers from Yale and Peru - that serves science and human understanding."
Machu Picchu is said to be the original birthplace of the Inca Empire.
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