Dan McDougall from Okotoks, Alberta, flew to Costa Rica to return an ancient jade amulet that his family had been given as a gift over 50 years ago. The artefact was given to his late father by the father of an exchange student they had sponsored from Costa Rica in 1971. McDougall’s father was a rock-hound who collected various geological items, including the jade amulet. After his mother passed away, McDougall began to research the amulet and discovered its potential significance as a ceremonial burial item that could be over 1,500 years old. Feeling that the artefact did not belong with his family anymore, McDougall decided to return it to Costa Rica.
Upon contacting museums in Costa Rica, McDougall received a positive response from the National Museum of Costa Rica in San Jose, expressing their excitement to examine the piece of Costa Rican history. McDougall flew to San Jose, where he was met by an archaeologist and a police escort. The archaeologist verified the authenticity of the artefact and estimated its age to be between 1,300 to 2,500 years old. McDougall went through the official transfer process, signing documents, and answering questions about how he acquired the artefact. The National Museum of Costa Rica plans to include the jade amulet in a new exhibit showcasing various repatriated items to the country.
University of British Columbia professor emeritus Michael Blake commended McDougall for his actions, stating that it is a great example of respecting the culture and history of the place where such artefacts originate from. McDougall’s decision to return the ancient jade amulet aligns with the principles of repatriation and the importance of returning cultural items to their places of origin. The National Museum of Costa Rica is grateful for McDougall’s gesture and is preparing to display the jade amulet in an exhibit along with other repatriated items.
McDougall and his wife are considering whether they will return to Costa Rica for the opening of the exhibit featuring the jade amulet. Their journey to return the artefact has sparked discussions about the significance of repatriation and the cultural value of ancient artefacts. By taking the initiative to research the history of the jade amulet and return it to Costa Rica, McDougall has set an example for others to follow when dealing with culturally significant items. The act of repatriation helps to preserve and honor the heritage of communities and countries to whom the artefacts belong.
