On May 6, at 11 a.m., the West Sacramento Historical Society officially transferred and gave 22 pre-Columbian figurine artifacts to the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Historical Society

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On May 6, at 11 a.m., the West Sacramento Historical Society officially transferred and gave 22 pre-Columbian figurine artifacts to the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento.  

In 1936, Theodore E. Seamans traveled to Mexico, eventually reaching Mexico City and Teotihuacán (a pre-Columbian city). In Teotihuacán, he met archeological excavation laborers. The ground was covered with pre-Columbian clay artifacts. The workmen told him to “help yourself,” so Seamans filled his pockets of these 22 clay heads and spindle artifacts.

The West Sacramento Historical Society obtained the artifacts from his late wife’s, Virginia Seamans’, estate in 1999. They remained in storage until 2023. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Historical Society

The West Sacramento Historical Society obtained the artifacts from his late wife’s, Virginia Seamans’, estate in 1999. They remained in storage until 2023. 

After taking full inventory of the artifacts, the society recognized their historical significance and decided to return them to their place of origin since they did not pertain to West Sacramento. The society retained the services of archeologist Evelyn Saucedo specializing in Mexican culture to determine authenticity. The 22 clay artifacts will eventually be delivered to a museum in Mexico.

The West Sacramento Historical Society repatriated 22 pre-Columbian figurine artifacts to the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento on May 6. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento Historical Society

For more information, contact the West Sacramento Historical Society President Alfonso Voychez at 209-373-0034. For more information about the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento, visit 2093 Arena Blvd. or call 916-536-6599.