PhD candidate Marie Kolbenstetter helps repatriate Honduran heritage
In a significant step toward restoring cultural heritage, PhD candidate Marie Kolbenstetter has played a pivotal role in repatriating a collection of 133 archaeological artefacts from the prestigious Musée du quai Branly in Paris back to their place of origin in southern Honduras. Her efforts underscore the growing global movement advocating for the restitution of cultural treasures to their rightful communities.
Obsidian pieces
The collection includes a variety of objects such as obsidian pieces, arrowheads, larger pottery, decorated grinding stones, and basalt figurine statuettes. ‘These artefacts, dating from roughly 700 AD to 1520 AD,’ Kolbenstetter explains, ‘originate from four archaeological sites in southern Honduras and were exported to France in the 1970s. They are among the only archaeologically contextualized objects from this historically underexplored region.’
Established connections
Kolbenstetter, a PhD candidate specialising in the archaeology of Southern Honduras, first became involved in the project during a study visit to the museum. ‘It was during this visit that the conservator of the Americas learned the collection was classified as a deposit, meaning it could be reclaimed by the Honduran government. Recognising the potential for repatriation, the museum sought assistance from me, as I had established connections with Honduran cultural institutions.’ Acting as a liaison and translator between French and Spanish-speaking parties, she played a crucial role in initiating and facilitating the process, which took 15 months to complete.
‘This is more than just returning objects,’ Kolbenstetter notes. ‘It’s about restoring identity, reconnecting communities with their heritage, and acknowledging the importance of cultural sovereignty.’
Handover event
The official handover event took place last week at the Honduran State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, where Kolbenstetter gave an online talk to contextualize the pieces. ‘The collection is currently on temporary display in the capital before being transferred later this year to the south of the country, where it will be housed in the region’s first museum. Local communities are eagerly anticipating the artefacts' return, marking a significant moment in the revaluation of their cultural heritage.’
Raising awareness
Beyond the exhibit, the repatriation is part of a broader initiative funded by the French government aimed at revitalizing Honduras' historical and cultural awareness. ‘This includes community engagement efforts, training local volunteers to help preserve archaeological sites, and integrating precolonial history into school curricula. Small exhibitions in cultural centers are also planned to raise awareness and reconnect younger generations with their heritage.’
Artefact restitution
Marie Kolbenstetter’s work stands as a testament to the power of academic research in effecting tangible change. As discussions on artefact restitution gain momentum globally, her efforts serve as a model for ethical scholarship and international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage.