Mexico claims artifacts held in Germany
MEXICO CITY: Mexican authorities say about 700 artifacts from a private
collection seized in Germany are Mexican and should be returned.
Read entire article at AP
Archaeological experts have examined photographs of artifacts linked to Costa Rican collector Leonardo Augustus Patterson. They say about half the collection of masks, jewelry and statues seized in April are genuine pre-Hispanic artifacts.
Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History said Tuesday that the pieces were illegally excavated in Mexico and asked they be returned.