National Treasures Rescued
25 thousand pieces, some of them abandoned for more than 30 years have just been rescued from the warehouses of the National Museum of Archeology and Etnology. These pieces will be relocated to an adequate area for warehousing and conservation.
During several decades these archeological pieces where left one on top of the other without protection against humidity. It is not yet known the damage caused by fungus and other bacteria. According to experts, these pieces will go to a phase of conservation where they will be studied so that any damage caused will be repaired. The warehouse of this museum contained up 20,000 archeological pieces and 5,000 etnological pieces. Because of the fear of loosing these invaluable pieces in the form of vases, stelaes, sculptures and textiles the museum authorities asked for support from other countries. The Government of Japan responded inmediately and donated a big amount of aid to improve the infraestructure.
Thankfully, the improvement of the warehouse began last december and concluded yesterday. Special equipment was installed for controlling humidity and temperature and also all the pieces were clasified to be stored in special containers. The Government of Japan also provided tecnical assistance for conserving our cultural patrimony.
The Minister of Culture said that these pieces will be shown in the Museum of Archeology and also will be shown in exhibitions in the deparments of Guatemala. Let us hope that now that these pieces are exhibited, we, as Guatemalan can see and appreciate them as they deserve.
