Mexican Archaeological Artifacts Recovered In Portugal Are Returned To Mexico

LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) President of Camões Institute for Cooperation and Language Ambassador Florbela Paraíba, Mexican Ambassador Bruno Figueroa Fischer, National Director of Judicial Police Luis Neves and Director of the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Directorate of the Judicial Police João Oliveira, stand behind the artifacts at the official ceremony for the return of three Mexican archaeological artifacts of exceptional historical and aesthetic value, recovered in Portuguese territory and returned to the Mexican State, at the Mexican Embassy in Portugal on February 12, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. The restitution of these pieces, an exceptional female figure from the culture of western Mexico, linked to fertility rituals, a polychrome Mayan vase from the Classic period, and a Zapotec urn representing the god Cocijo, standing out for their historical, aesthetic, and symbolic value, illegally extracted from Mexico and transferred to Portugal, was the result of a joint effort between both countries over almost two years, marking a turning point in bilateral cooperation for the protection of cultural heritage. This is the first restitution of pre-Hispanic archaeological heritage from Portugal to Mexico, reflecting the high level of institutional collaboration and shared commitment to the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property. (Footage by Horacio Villalobos/Getty Images)