By John Ikani
Chilean authorities have returned a collection of 117 fossils to Morocco.
According to the official Moroccan News Agency, the repatriation took place in a ceremony held on May 13th at the National Library of Chile in Santiago,
The remarkable artefacts, estimated to be 400 million years old, were confiscated by Chilean customs officials between 2017 and 2022 after being identified as smuggled goods.
At the ceremony, Nélida Pozo Kudo, director of Chile’s National Heritage Service, stressed the significance of international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage.
“The seizure and return of these Moroccan fossils exemplify the commitment of both Chile and Morocco to fighting the illegal trade of cultural artefacts, adhering to international law,” she said.
Kenza El Ghali, Morocco’s ambassador to Chile, highlighted the gravity of such smuggling.
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“The illicit trade of antiquities and fossils, some dating back millions of years, is arguably more detrimental than drug trafficking,” she remarked.
This repatriation ceremony served not only to return these precious fossils to their rightful home but also as a platform for strengthening cultural ties between Chile and Morocco.
Representatives from both nations seized the opportunity to sign a collaborative agreement aimed at fostering future cultural exchange.
