In the four months from December through March a total of 1,526 archaeological pieces have been returned to the National Museum voluntarily by citizens.

54 people established communication with the National Museum to return objects that they had in their possession and coordinate their return to the Museum.

This historical number of returns is due to the recent actions by the Costa Rican authorities in which they have conducted searches to seize these pieces that are part of the nation’s heritage.

In Costa Rica, those who commercialize or have these pieces in their possession can face three to five years of prison.

Many citizens were not aware of the illegality of having these pieces and the possible consequences of keeping them, as they became aware through the different media outlets many chose to return the artifacts.

So far this year the police have also recovered 266 archaeological pieces.

The majority of the pieces returned are made of stone and ceramic and sculpted by the first Costa Rican civilizations in periods as far as 300 a.c., which gives them historical value.