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PC 660

Para declarar Patrimonio del Pueblo de Puerto Rico la colección arqueológica conocida como las Piedras del Padre Nazario, descubierta a finales del siglo XIX en Guayanilla, y ordenar al Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña establecer un plan para su protección, conservación, estudio, divulgación y posible repatriación; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Declares 19th-century Guayanilla archaeological collection national heritage, requiring cultural institute to protect, study, and potentially repatriate artifacts.

Vista Pública: Salón de Audiencias #3
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Bill Summary · PC 660

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 660 designates the Piedras del Padre Nazario—an archaeological collection discovered in late 19th century Guayanilla—as Cultural Heritage of the Puerto Rican People. It mandates the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture (Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña) to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the collection's protection, conservation, scholarly study, public education, and potential repatriation.

Why is this important

Archaeological artifacts are irreplaceable records of Puerto Rico's pre-Columbian and colonial history. Formal heritage designation with institutional oversight ensures these materials are preserved for future generations and studied scientifically rather than remaining dispersed or deteriorating. This also addresses broader questions about cultural property rights and whether artifacts should remain in Puerto Rico or be returned to descendant communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and feasibility: The bill mandates multiple conservation and research activities without specifying budget allocation; implementation costs could strain the Institute of Culture's existing resources
  • "Possible repatriation" ambiguity: Unclear criteria for determining to whom or under what conditions repatriation would occur, potentially creating future disputes with museums, collectors, or indigenous groups
  • Current location and access: No detail on where the collection currently resides or who presently holds it, which could complicate institutional takeover and create disputes with current custodians

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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