Sydney Berenson | 2025 I.S. Symposium

Name: Sydney Berenson
Title: The Life History of a Queen’s Maimed Stela: An Analysis and Review of the Ethics Regarding the Repatriation of El Perú Stela 34
Major: Archaeology
Minor: Spanish; Museum Studies
Advisor: Olivia C. Navarro-Farr

Looting has long plagued the Petén region of Guatemala, but the 1960s saw a dramatic rise in stolen Maya artifacts—among them, El Perú Stela 34. This project focuses on the stela’s fragmented journey and the broader ethical implications of looted cultural heritage. Commissioned by Lady K’abel, queen of Waka’ from 672–692 C.E., the stela was carved in high relief and later looted, disassembled, and trafficked. The upper portion was acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, while the lower portion surfaced in a private San Diego collection before its return to Guatemala.

This research combines both my major and minors, forming a perfect trio that allows me to explore this issue from multiple perspectives. I trace the stela’s physical and cultural displacement through interviews, archival research, and a close examination of its artistic and historical significance. The project builds on work I was introduced to last summer, which sparked my passion for cultural heritage protection and made me realize how interdisciplinary this field can be.

I was particularly drawn to how this work bridges academic research, Indigenous perspectives, and museum ethics. It excites me to contribute to conversations around cultural restitution and to advocate for more responsible stewardship of heritage. Looking ahead, I hope to continue this work—whether through museum curation, field archaeology, or repatriation initiatives—committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and advancing ethical standards in heritage conservation.

Posted in Symposium 2025 on May 1, 2025.