at the Museum: Official Presentation of Stolen Moche Backflap to Peruvian Ambassador

"The Return of a Stolen Cultural Treasure to Peru"
Presentation Ceremony
at which stolen artifact is formally returned to Peru

Wednesday, July 15, 1998, 11:00 a.m.
Lower Egyptian Gallery
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

With the Museum's world-famous Sphinx as backdrop, news cameras roll and guests look on as...

The stolen gold artifact (known as a "backflap") which was recovered by the FBI is at the lower left.
Dr. Jeremy Sabloff (Williams Director of the Museum) introduces Mr. Wayne P. Comer, Associate Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Division of the FBI.

Mr. Comer speaks about the importance of the case and formally presents the gold artifact to Sr. Ricardo Luna, Ambassador of Peru.

Sr. Ricardo Luna (Ambassador of Peru), after formally accepting the artifact from Agent Wayne Comer.

White cotton gloves are worn to protect the artifact from bare hands, which leave oils and acids harmful to metals.
Dr. Jeremy Sabloff [l] prepares to accept the loan of the artifact from Ambassador Luna [r] while Agent Comer [c] looks on.

The artifact will be displayed at the University of Pennsylvania Museum from July 16 through August 8.

Dr. Walter Alva [r] (Director, Bruning Museum and the Sipan Project) speaks about the importance of the return of the artifact. Alexei Vranich [l] translates for the English-speaking audience.

Dr. Alva is co-curator of the short-term exhibition of the artifact here at the Museum.

MocheHomepage | MocheWebsite

The stolen gold artifact (known as a "backflap") which was recovered by the FBI is at the lower left.	Dr. Jeremy Sabloff (Williams Director of the Museum) introduces Mr. Wayne P. Comer, Associate Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Division of the FBI. Mr. Comer speaks about the importance of the case and formally presents the gold artifact to Sr. Ricardo Luna, Ambassador of Peru.
	Sr. Ricardo Luna (Ambassador of Peru), after formally accepting the artifact from Agent Wayne Comer.
White cotton gloves are worn to protect the artifact from bare hands, which leave oils and acids harmful to metals.	Dr. Jeremy Sabloff [l] prepares to accept the loan of the artifact from Ambassador Luna [r] while Agent Comer [c] looks on. The artifact will be displayed at the University of Pennsylvania Museum from July 16 through August 8.
	Dr. Walter Alva [r] (Director, Bruning Museum and the Sipan Project) speaks about the importance of the return of the artifact. Alexei Vranich [l] translates for the English-speaking audience. Dr. Alva is co-curator of the short-term exhibition of the artifact here at the Museum.