I. U.S. Actions

• On March 12, 2004, the U.S. and Honduras signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to impose import restrictions on Pre-Columbian archaeological artifacts from Honduras.
  

II. Background

This U.S. action is in response to requests from the Government of Honduras under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The import restrictions are intended to mitigate the results of extensive looting to meet the demands of U.S. and international trade in artifacts. The U.S. action also furthers the aims of the 1994 Summit of the Americas action plan to enhance appreciation of indigenous cultures and cultural artifacts through the implementation of cultural property protection agreements.

The unique cultural patrimony of Honduras was found to be in jeopardy of pillage as evidenced by systematic looting in such regions as the Lower Ulua Valley, Copan Valley, Olancho, Comayagua, and Santa Barbara as well as other sites throughout the modern boundaries of Honduras. The rich cultural heritage of this country is represented in over 40,000 archaeological sites; all vulnerable to looting.

III. Categories of Artifacts Subject to U.S. Import Restriction

A complete list is published in the Federal Register notice of March 16, 2004. An illustrated list is available in the Honduras Image Collection.

Restricted Pre-Columbian artifacts date from approximately 2000 B.C. to A.D. 1550. Categories include, but are not limited to, ceramic, metal, stone, shell, and animal bone.

IV. Import Regulations

Objects listed in the Federal Register notice may enter the U.S. if they have an export permit issued by Honduras or verifiable documentation that they left Honduras prior to the effective date of the restriction: March 16, 2004, for archaeological material from Honduras.

Under the 1973 Pre-Columbian Monumental or Architectural Sculpture or Murals Statute, monumental or architectural sculpture or murals may be imported into the U.S. only with an export license issued by the country of origin or verifiable documentation that they left the country of origin prior to June 1, 1973.

V. For More Information

Honduras Image Collection

2004 Federal Register Notice

2004 Agreement

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