Mexican Ambassador Collection

The Mexican Ambassador Collection represents a unique agreement between Colgate University, the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia developed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 9 September, 2023. This agreement accompanies the restitution of 1,072 archaeological pieces of Mexican origin between September 2023-September 2024.

The intention of the Ambassador Collection, is that, for fragmentary archaeological collections that would not otherwise be eligible for formal registration with the Registry of Movable Archaeological Monuments of Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, as well as a few specially requested works, Colgate University be permitted to retain these collections with the understanding that these pieces can serve as valuable “ambassadors” to teach about the remarkable cultural traditions of Mexico. It is our hope that the Ambassador Collection will serve as a testament to our collaboration and further the understanding of our community about Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of preserving and respecting it.