Year of Object(s) Creation: prior 1500 CE
Estimated Value ($USD): 850,000
Object Type(s): Bust, Figurine, Food/Drink Container, Jewelry, Panel, Relic
Object Material(s): beads, ceramic, terracotta
Provenience Nation: Mexico
Provenience Location: Mexico
Year Removed from Findspot: 1960 (approximate)

Provenance
Start Year: 1960 (approximate)
End Year: 1980 (approximate)
Circumstance of Acquisition: Illegal smuggling/purchase
Nation: United States
Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Pre-Columbian Artifacts from Mexico


Description:
An array of artifacts originating from Mexico, illegally smuggled out of the country by Matthew McClain. Specifically, they included various terra cotta figures, pre-Columbian pottery, beads, and stucco pieces.

Case Status: Object(s) relinquished
Year Claim Initiated: 1978
Year Claim Resolved: 1979
Means of Resolution: Action by Respondent's Govt.

Complainant Name: Government of Mexico
Complainant Nation: Mexico
Complainant Nation Economy: Developed
Complainant Type: Public: Government

Respondent Name: Matthew McClain, United States of America
Respondent Nation:
Respondent Nation Economy:
Respondent Type: Private: Individual

Reference Links:

Files:

Editor's Notes:
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? All of the objects are currently exhibited at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, Mexico. Edited by JS