[Printer Friendly Version]   [How to E-mail This Article to A Friend]

AROUND THE WORLD 2: Peru Wants Machu Picchu Relics

Peru is threatening to sue Yale University if relics taken from Machu Picchu during the early 1900s are not returned. The artifacts were taken by Hiram Bingham, a famous U.S. explorer who excavated over 5,000 artifacts during three expeditions in 1911, 1912, and 1914. His discoveries at Peru's present-day tourist attraction included human bones, mummies, and ceramics.

The chief of Peru's National Institute of Culture, Luis Guillermo Lumbreras, told the Associated Press that the explorer Bingham had "permission to temporarily export the objects for scientific ends," for a period of one year. The period was later extended for 18 months, so the artifacts should have been returned to Peru in 1916.

In a formal undated letter written by Peru's ambassador to the United States, the South American country stated that a lawsuit was prepared if the rights to the archaeological pieces were not recognized. Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua told the Associated Press in an e-mail statement, "We are convinced that we have sufficient proof to win in court." He also stated that the country would prefer a settlement versus a long legal battle.

Yale University is willing to negotiate. University spokesman Tom Conroy told reporters that Yale is "having discussions with the government of Peru and we are hoping for a resolution that is satisfactory to all involved." Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!

Read AROUND THE WORLD 3: Kilauea Volcano Shoots Lava