New Haven, CT (eCanadaNow) - Years ago there was an intrepid explorer from Yale University, Hiram Bingham III who ventured into the wilds of Peru in search of archeological truth. Bingham found thousands of rare and historical artifacts, and brought them with him back to America, to be displayed at Yale University.

One problem.  The actual count of the objects that exists and that are in Yale University possession appears to be in question.  

The Government of Peru recently announced that Yale has at least ten times as many artifacts and pieces of Inca history as Yale had previously reported.  According to the Peruvian government, over 40,000 artifacts are in possession by Yale University.

According to Yale University officials, they only have about 4,000 Inca artifacts.

 
Yale Archaeology professor Richard Burger told the Yale Daily News that “Counting is complicated.” 

Do you count lots or do you count every piece? There may be tens of thousands of objects if you count each finger bone in a skeleton,” he added.

Yale has these artifacts on loan from Peru, in a highly charged issue of Inca artifact ownership.  The final resting place of these items is under review, with Peru wanting their items back as they consider it part of their heritage, and with Yale University trying to negotiate for their stay and display at Yale University.

The government of Peru announced that it has inventoried the Machu Picchu Inca historical artifacts housed at Yale University and found over 40,000 pieces.  Yale claims it is a mere discrepancy of counting, not a disagreement.

Peru said that the artifacts were only loaned to Yale -- but were never returned.

The dispute of counting Peruvian Inca Artifacts has raised tensions, and prevented Peru and Yale University from reaching a final agreement. Some items are slated to return to Peru fairly soon, others are to be on a long-term 99-year loan.

It is a dispute about the actual number of items that exist, and which items if any are to be on long term 99 year loan that has both parties upset, and unable to reach an agreement.

Ther uins of Machu Picchu s Peru's top tourist attraction, the Press Association reported.