Berlin: An ancient Cypriot cylinder seal dated to the archaic period (750-475 BC) has been returned to the Cypriot authorities for repatriation. This significant event took place during a special ceremony organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Germany at the Ambassador’s Residence, as announced by the Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the cylinder seal was identified by archaeological officers responsible for tracking the illicit trafficking of Cypriot antiquities in online auctions. The antiquity was found on sale in an auction in Germany, and its return was facilitated by coordinated efforts between the Department of Antiquities, Interpol Nicosia, Interpol Wiesbaden, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.
The ceremony saw the cylinder seal officially handed over to the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Maria Papakyriakou. The Deputy Minister and Representative of the State of Saarland, Thorsten Bischoff, represented the Federal Government of Germany during the handover.
In a press release, the Department of Antiquities expressed gratitude to both the German and Cypriot authorities for their coordinated actions, which led to the successful repatriation of the antiquity to Cyprus.