In San Agustín, Huila, President Gustavo Petro demanded the repatriation of over 100 Colombian archaeological pieces held in Germany during the 30th anniversary of the Archaeological Park's UNESCO World Heritage status. He acknowledged the German government's willingness but criticized private entities' resistance. He called on Colombians there to mobilize for the nation's heritage recovery.
The event in San Agustín, Huila, marked the 90th anniversary of the Archaeological Park's creation and the 30th year of its UNESCO World Heritage designation. Attendees included President Gustavo Petro, local authorities, ICANH delegates, cultural managers, and representatives from indigenous and peasant communities. Speeches focused on ancestral memory, heritage protection, and artifact repatriation.
Petro's address highlighted the civilizational value of the Colombian massif's ancient cultures, asserting human roots in the region date back at least 20,000 years. He challenged narratives labeling indigenous peoples as recent migrants: “In some sectors of America they throw us out, chain us, and threaten us as if we were newcomers, and they call us migrants. How so? Migrants are those who arrived 100 or 50 years ago, not us. How can they call migrants those who have been here for 20,000 years?”.
He linked Colombia's historical violence to collective memory loss and denial of original identities. He recalled that during Alfonso López Pumarejo's presidency in the 1930s, archaeological parks were reclaimed as symbols of modernization. “Colombia has lost its memory several times and each time we lose our memory we repeat the same mistakes that were made and end up in cycles of violence”, he stated.
On repatriation, Petro noted Germany has returned some items, but over 100 remain with private entities. “First we must talk with the German government and the institution that has pieces of our heritage; even generate a mobilization of Colombians in Germany, which is a rightful claim of the Colombian nation”. Culture Minister Yannai Kadamani confirmed a diplomatic request for 35 pieces and 110 lithic fragments: “For the first time, and in President Petro's government, Colombia officially requests Germany to restitute more than 35 pieces and 110 lithic fragments that belong to our history”.
Huila Governor Rodrigo Villalba reaffirmed the department's commitment to heritage as a foundation for sustainable tourism and development. ICANH Director Alhena Caicedo emphasized ancestral, scientific, and community memory, acknowledging researchers like Gregorio Hernández de Alba and local communities' persistence.