Paris: A Cypriot antiquity was handed over to the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris on December 19, as announced by the Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture on Wednesday. The successful repatriation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to recover cultural heritage items that have been illegally trafficked.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the antiquity, identified in an online auction by the Archaeological Officers of the Antiquities Department, was a Stemmed bowl (kylix) of Bichrome ware from the Cypro-Geometric III period, dating back to 900-750 B.C. The bowl features a pair of opposed loop handles and is adorned with black paint. Notably, each side of the central panel showcases a swastika framed by groups of vertical lines, and the interior is decorated with bands.
The Department of Antiquities expressed gratitude to Nab©cor Ench¨res and the donors for their voluntary return of the antiquity. The Department also acknowledged the efforts of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris for their cooperation and coordination in the repatriation process. The return of this cultural artifact underscores the importance of international collaboration in preserving and protecting cultural heritage.