A trash collector in New York found over 2,000 ancient Mexican bowls and figurines as he cleared out a deceased artist’s apartment in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. The Mexican Cultural Institute has laid claim, pending verification of the artifacts authenticity. The trash collector, Nick DiMola, has other plans.
“I’m confident I’m going to keep them,” said the 39-year-old DiMola.
Whether the artifacts will remain with DiMola or be sent back to Mexico depends on their date of entry into the United States. In 1983, the U.S. government enabled certain provisions of a 1970 resolution by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding ownership of cultural property. If the items entered the U.S. prior to that date, DiMola will most likely retain ownership.
