Colgate University Enhances Cultural Ties with Mexico through Artifacts Repatriation
On September 23, 2024, Colgate University marked a significant milestone in its partnership with Mexico by returning 1,005 archaeological items of cultural heritage to their homeland. This voluntary repatriation complements an earlier return of 67 artifacts in 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural ties and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous heritage.
The transfer was facilitated by the office of the Mexican Consul General in New York, H.E. Jorge Islas López, who received the artifacts at the Mexican consulate in New York City. The process was coordinated with the University Museums at Colgate, led by Rebecca Mendelsohn, Co-Director of University Museums, and curator of the Longyear Museum of Anthropology. She emphasized the importance of returning these items with the understanding that they will be placed as closely as possible to their communities of origin.
During the latter half of the 20th century, these artifacts—including sculptures and pottery—were added to Colgate's collections primarily for educational purposes. The recent repatriation signifies a profound recognition of the rights of the Mexican people to control their cultural heritage. 'It is with profound respect that Colgate University returns these items to their home country,' noted Mendelsohn. 'This decision acknowledges deep respect for Mexico's rich history which has been preserved by Indigenous communities for millennia.'
An impressive ambassador collection of over 900 fragmentary pieces remains with Colgate, approved for educational use by the Mexican government and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH). This collection plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and respect for Mexico’s rich heritage. Mendelsohn pointed out that obtaining consent for the use of cultural items is vital for decolonizing museum practices and addressing the historical injustices associated with museum collecting practices.
The partnership between Colgate and Mexico's cultural institutions began in 2021 when Islas López approached Mendelsohn to discuss the artifacts housed at the university. This collaborative spirit was embraced by Colgate's President Brian W. Casey and Provost Lesleigh Cushing, who viewed the repatriation as an opportunity to open new avenues of cooperation between educational institutions in Mexico and Colgate. In a recent statement, Cushing reaffirmed this commitment: 'Colgate’s mission is to educate ethical and empathetic leaders for lives of service. We strive to embody these principles in all our interactions, whether they are local, national, or international.'
Over the years, Colgate has fostered meaningful engagement with Mexican institutions, welcoming numerous representatives from the consulate and INAH to discuss collaborative opportunities and review the collections. In January 2024, a delegation from Colgate embarked on a tour of Mexican universities and colleges, seeking potential research partnerships and student exchange initiatives.
President Casey expressed his gratitude for the collective goodwill involved in the repatriation project. He anticipates a continued academic exchange that will benefit both the Colgate community and its counterparts in Mexico. This collaboration not only enriches educational experiences but also serves as a model for cultural sensitivity and preservation for institutions worldwide. Overall, this repatriation marks a critical step in ensuring that cultural relics find their rightful place back in the communities that cherish and protect them.
Through this partnership, Colgate University sets a powerful precedent for other institutions by demonstrating the importance of returning cultural artifacts to their origins, promoting a shared understanding and respect for diverse histories. The initiative showcases a commitment to ethical practices in heritage management and serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation to safeguard our collective past.
The transfer was facilitated by the office of the Mexican Consul General in New York, H.E. Jorge Islas López, who received the artifacts at the Mexican consulate in New York City. The process was coordinated with the University Museums at Colgate, led by Rebecca Mendelsohn, Co-Director of University Museums, and curator of the Longyear Museum of Anthropology. She emphasized the importance of returning these items with the understanding that they will be placed as closely as possible to their communities of origin.
During the latter half of the 20th century, these artifacts—including sculptures and pottery—were added to Colgate's collections primarily for educational purposes. The recent repatriation signifies a profound recognition of the rights of the Mexican people to control their cultural heritage. 'It is with profound respect that Colgate University returns these items to their home country,' noted Mendelsohn. 'This decision acknowledges deep respect for Mexico's rich history which has been preserved by Indigenous communities for millennia.'
An impressive ambassador collection of over 900 fragmentary pieces remains with Colgate, approved for educational use by the Mexican government and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH). This collection plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and respect for Mexico’s rich heritage. Mendelsohn pointed out that obtaining consent for the use of cultural items is vital for decolonizing museum practices and addressing the historical injustices associated with museum collecting practices.
The partnership between Colgate and Mexico's cultural institutions began in 2021 when Islas López approached Mendelsohn to discuss the artifacts housed at the university. This collaborative spirit was embraced by Colgate's President Brian W. Casey and Provost Lesleigh Cushing, who viewed the repatriation as an opportunity to open new avenues of cooperation between educational institutions in Mexico and Colgate. In a recent statement, Cushing reaffirmed this commitment: 'Colgate’s mission is to educate ethical and empathetic leaders for lives of service. We strive to embody these principles in all our interactions, whether they are local, national, or international.'
Over the years, Colgate has fostered meaningful engagement with Mexican institutions, welcoming numerous representatives from the consulate and INAH to discuss collaborative opportunities and review the collections. In January 2024, a delegation from Colgate embarked on a tour of Mexican universities and colleges, seeking potential research partnerships and student exchange initiatives.
President Casey expressed his gratitude for the collective goodwill involved in the repatriation project. He anticipates a continued academic exchange that will benefit both the Colgate community and its counterparts in Mexico. This collaboration not only enriches educational experiences but also serves as a model for cultural sensitivity and preservation for institutions worldwide. Overall, this repatriation marks a critical step in ensuring that cultural relics find their rightful place back in the communities that cherish and protect them.
Through this partnership, Colgate University sets a powerful precedent for other institutions by demonstrating the importance of returning cultural artifacts to their origins, promoting a shared understanding and respect for diverse histories. The initiative showcases a commitment to ethical practices in heritage management and serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation to safeguard our collective past.
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