[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INCAN ARTIFACTS AGREEMENT
Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to commend Yale University and
the Government of Peru on their agreement to settle a 6-year-long
dispute over Incan artifacts.
Nearly 100 years ago, Yale history professor Hiram Bingham made a
historic archeological discovery near the famed Incan city of Machu
Picchu. His find, which included over 300 artifacts, featuring rare
examples of jewelry and ceramic pottery, helped bring worldwide
attention to the rich culture of the Incan peoples. For the past 95
years, these artifacts, which were claimed by the Peruvian Government,
have been in the possession of Yale University.
The landmark agreement, reached on September 14, 2007, between Yale
University and the Government of Peru, which includes the creation of a
traveling international exhibition featuring these priceless historical
artifacts, is a symbol of both parties' dedication to international
cooperation and scholarship. I applaud Yale University and the Peruvian
Government for finding a compromise that will allow scholars, students,
and interested people from across the globe and from all walks of life
to enjoy these splendid cultural artifacts for generations to come.
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