Germany returned 13 likely stolen Mayan artifacts to Guatemala and Mexico after being found in a farmhouse cellar. Countless Mayan artifacts were looted during Spanish colonization and Guatemala’s civil war — many ending up in museums/private collections in the U.S. and Europe.
The ambassadors of Mexico and Guatemala took possession here Friday of a dozen pre-Columbian artifacts discovered in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The pieces include sculpted figures, vases and plates dating from the period 250-850 that were likely looted from tombs and sold to collectors.
Authorities found the items in a property in the city of Klötze based on information from the former owner and occupant.