Colombia Sent a Formal Request to Spain to Return Gold from Their Quimbaya Treasure Joining the Move to Decolonize International Museums  

Colombia Sent a Formal Request to Spain to Return Gold from Their Quimbaya Treasure Joining the Move to Decolonize International Museums  
From left to right: By Ángel M. Felicísimo from Mérida, España - Pieza del tesoro de los Quimbayas; By Ángel M. Felicísimo from Mérida, España - Pieza del tesoro de los Quimbayas

Colombia’s Minister of Culture, Juan David Correa, has made headlines by being appointed as the ad hoc Minister of Education by President Gustavo Petro. However, Correa’s name is also being echoed across Europe due to his formal request for the return of the Quimbaya Treasure from Spain. 

The Quimbaya Treasure, consisting of 122 gold pieces, was originally gifted by Colombian President Carlos Holguín Mallarino to Queen Maria Cristina of Spain in 1891. This gesture was a token of gratitude for her mediation in a border dispute with Venezuela. Now, under President Petro’s administration, Colombia has renewed its efforts to reclaim this and other cultural artifacts housed in European institutions. 

The official request for the treasure’s return was confirmed by Spain, following a letter dated May 9, signed by Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo and Minister of Culture Juan David Correa. Addressed to Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun, the letter is titled “Proposal for the Return of the Quimbaya Collection to Colombia.” It underscores the cultural and historical significance of the artifacts, noting that they were taken by local looters and handed over to the Spanish Crown in 1893, without acknowledging their cultural value to Colombia. 

The Quimbaya Treasure Belongs to Colombia

A significant portion of the Quimbaya Treasure is currently displayed at the Museum of America in Madrid, while another 90 pieces are held in a museum in Chicago, USA. These items, including headpieces, vessels, nose rings, necklaces, earrings, poporos, and musical instruments, exemplify the exquisite craftsmanship of the Quimbaya civilization. Renowned for their advanced techniques in working with gold and copper, the Quimbaya people created intricate artifacts that remain culturally and historically invaluable. 

The Colombian government, in its letter, acknowledges Spain’s long-term preservation of the treasure but emphasizes that the return of these artifacts aligns with international decolonization policies for museums. This act, they argue, would significantly contribute to the recognition of cultural rights and the comprehensive management of cultural collections, ultimately reclaiming Colombia’s cultural sovereignty. 

Spain, however, has historically maintained that the Quimbaya Treasure’s transfer was legal and definitive, given that it was a diplomatic gift rather than a product of colonial plunder. The Spanish government has stated that there are “no doubts” regarding Spain’s legal ownership of the collection. 

What Does This Mean?

The Quimbaya Treasure is an artistic marvel and a crucial piece of pre-Columbian heritage, representing the sophisticated metallurgical skills of the Quimbaya tribe. This indigenous civilization is celebrated for its ability to create pure and intricate gold and copper artifacts, which often depicted human forms with remarkable precision and artistic flair. 

Colombia’s renewed claim for the Quimbaya Treasure revives a longstanding desire to reunite these significant cultural artifacts with their homeland. The move by Minister Juan David Correa and President Gustavo Petro underscores a broader effort to rectify historical imbalances and restore cultural treasures to their places of origin. 

Let’s hope Colombia and all other countries who suffered the effects of these colonizers get their items back – and soon! 

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