SACRED SHIPMENTS: A Story of Repatriation, from Canada to Peru
Cultural restitution is a vital part of preserving and respecting heritage, and when it comes to delicate, historically significant artefacts, every step in the process must be meticulously planned. ICEFAT agents Armstrong Fine Art Services and N. Leigh Transport de Arte recently partnered on a remarkable project – the repatriation of 67 artefacts from a Canadian private collector back to their homeland in Peru. This collaborative effort, undertaken in coordination with the Peruvian Consulate in Toronto, highlights the importance of international cooperation in safely returning artefacts to their place of origin.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Pablo Ortega Rueda, Christopher Miller, Ambassador (SDR) José Luis Gonzales Donayre, and Leonor Munoz-Anguita at the Armstrong Fine Art Services facility. Source: Armstrong Fine Art Services.
Preparations at the Peruvian Consulate
Armstrong Fine Art Services has a longstanding relationship with the Peruvian Consulate in Toronto, having worked together on several smaller restitution projects, including most recently the return of a beaded necklace. With plenty of experience in repatriation efforts within Canada – having returned significant cultural objects to remote Indigenous communities – Armstrong was well-prepared to take on this larger international endeavour. A unique strength of Armstrong’s operation is its multicultural team, where 15 different languages are spoken. This linguistic diversity allows them to handle international projects with ease; in this case, all documentation, including quotes, shipping labels, and permits, was provided in both English and Spanish to ensure clarity for all involved parties.
One of the 67 Peruvian artefacts shipped by Armstrong Fine Art Services. Source: Armstrong Fine Art Services.
The consulate entrusted Armstrong with the responsibility of preparing and transporting 67 artefacts, each with its own unique fragility. Although their small size meant that only five crates were needed, the complexity of the project lay in their delicate nature; each artefact had to be meticulously measured and traced, so that custom infills could be made to secure them safely within the crates. N. Leigh Transport de Arte, known for its expertise in handling Peruvian objects of cultural significance, provided guidance on the best crating methods to protect the artefacts during transit.
An intriguing aspect of this project was the belief that the artefacts were safeguarded by ancient spirits. According to Peruvian legend, these spirits haunt those who possess the artefacts outside of Peru; true to this belief, several members of the project team at Armstrong and the consulate reported experiencing nightmares until the shipment was enroute to Lima. Whether coincidence or something more mysterious, this added a layer of intrigue to an already emotional undertaking.
Bespoke crates with custom inserts at the Armstrong Fine Art Services facility. Source: Armstrong Fine Art Services.
From Canada to Peru
With the artefacts securely packed, Armstrong Fine Art Services transported them from its facility to Toronto Pearson International Airport, and from there the shipment was flown to Lima, Peru. As an official repatriation, the artefacts were imported into Peru using a diplomatic pouch; this status meant that no customs broker was required, simplifying the process significantly. However, special permits were still needed to ensure a smooth transition upon arrival. The shipment landed in Lima on Christmas Day, and the dedicated handlers at N. Leigh Transport de Arte worked throughout the holidays to ensure the delivery reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on time; as the journey to central Lima can be treacherous at night, N. Leigh Transport de Arte opted to wait until the morning of December 26 to transport the crates safely to their destination at the ministry.
Art handlers from N. Leigh Transporte de Arte unpacking an Armstrong Fine Art Services crate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lima. Source: N. Leigh Transporte de Arte.
Relics returned home
Upon arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the artefacts were carefully unpacked and inspected in preparation for a formal repatriation ceremony. This event, held on 9 January 2025, was a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, with representatives from N. Leigh Transport de Arte in attendance. The ceremony marked the official return of these precious relics to their homeland, a moment of great cultural and historical significance. While the next step in the artefacts’ journey has yet to be determined, they are expected to be distributed among various museums across Peru. N. Leigh Transport de Arte will likely oversee their transportation to these institutions, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for future generations.
This collaborative restitution project between Armstrong Fine Art Services and N. Leigh Transport de Arte exemplifies the significant role that ICEFAT plays in the preservation of cultural heritage around the globe, bolstered by the standards of service that all agents adhere to. With careful planning, expert handling, and deep respect for the cultural significance of these objects, the artefacts have finally returned to the land where they belong, allowing them to continue telling their stories for years to come.