The Albanese Labor Government has returned five objects of significance to the Government of Peru.
The Peruvian Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia, hosted the Special Envoy of the Arts, Susan Templeman, for the handover.
All the objects date back to the pre-Hispanic era. They include two painted ceramic tablets and stone plaque from the Chuquibamba culture, which developed in the South Coast of Peru during 1000-1476 CE.
The fourth object, made during the same period, is a silver cup in the Lambayeque or Sicán style from the North Coast of Peru.
The fifth object is a Nazca pottery stirrup vessel made in the South Coast of Peru during 200 BCE-600 CE.
Following Peru's advice that the objects had been exported in contravention of its cultural property laws, Australian officials were able to seize and return them under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke:
"The Australian Government is committed to assisting the return of pieces of cultural heritage where they've been removed illegally.
"These returns build an understanding with our global community that these are not just objects, but a part of countries' history and need to be preserved for future generations.
"In returning to Peru, these pieces of history are going home."
Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman:
"It's a privilege to represent our government and witness the return of these beautiful objects.
"By returning these seized artefacts, we are not only fulfilling our obligations under international law, we are demonstrating our deep respect for the culture and people of Peru.
"I'd like to thank all parties involved for collaborating on this successful outcome."
Quotes attributable to His Excellency Mr Vitaliano Gaspar Gallardo Valencia:
"The Embassy of Peru and myself are deeply grateful to have the strong support of the Office for the Arts, to whom I extend my greetings and gratitude, as well as to the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman, and Minister Tony Burke, for their ongoing support in the recovery of items forming part of my country's cultural heritage.
"These actions demonstrate and highlight the excellent state of diplomatic relations between Peru and Australia, that will only continue to grow stronger."
The Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act regulates the export of Australia's significant cultural heritage objects and provides for the return of foreign cultural property which has been illegally exported from other countries and imported into Australia.
Images of the objects can be viewed here.
