The Peruvian government intends to Sue Yale University for the return of historic artefacts, following problems [1] with the agreement previously reached [2] with the institution.
From:
All News Web [3]
Peru wants Machu Picchu artifacts back from Yale
2-12-2008
Peru wants Machu Picchu artifacts back from YaleThe government of Peru is moving ahead with plans to sue Yale University over thousands of valuable and historically significant artefacts that were sent there by Hawaiian born Hiram Bingham, the explorer and politician who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. Peru’s justice ministry has already appointed a team of lawyers to deal with the case however details of where the case will be heard remain unconfirmed. It is believed that the case will be heard in the US so as to be binding on the Connecticut University.
The artefacts include ceramics, textiles and human remains. ‘The continued possession of these treasures by Yale is reminiscent of the worst aspects of imperialism’ one Peruvian legalist observed. Others expressed concern that this case might open a can of worms in regards to colonial spoils sitting in museums throughout the western world. The British Museum has been the target of such court cases in the past, however none have succeeded. Hiram Bingham is believed to have been the inspiration for the film character ‘Indiana Jones’.