Greece welcomed three repatriated ancient masterpieces from the USA on September 13th. These were previously owned by a US citizen, but they had been removed from Greece at an unknown time.
The three repatriated ancient masterpieces in Greece
The first artifact is part of a marble tombstone. It measures 0.55 meters (1.8 ft) in height and 0.60 meters (almost 2 ft) in width. The flat relief depicts a female figure holding an open jewel case. Below her, the right hand of a smaller figure, likely a child, is also visible. This piece is from a provincial workshop, probably in Thessaly, and dates back to the early 4th century BC.
The second item is part of an Attic sepulchral church made of Pentelian marble. It measures 0.95 meters (over 3 ft) in height and 0.42 meters (1.3 ft) in width. The relief shows a young girl standing with her head slightly tilted to the right.
She wears a tunic with sleeves and an Attic veil tied under the breast. Armlets that cross over her chest and connect with a round medallion support her garment. This piece dates back to around 330 to 320 BC.
The third item is a bronze statuette of a young, nude man, likely an athlete. It measures 0.24 meters (0.78 ft) in height. The figure stands with his right leg firmly on the ground. Meanwhile his short hair, suitable for an athlete, is styled into messy buns. This statuette dates to the end of the 2nd century BC.
Efforts and impact
Officials handed over the three items to the Consulate General of Greece in Atlanta from where they were returned to Greece.
This particular repatriation of ancient Greek masterpieces reflects a growing global trend to raise awareness about the preservation of cultural heritage. Numerous initiatives aim to return antiquities to their countries of origin.
Lina Mendoni, the Minister of Culture, commented on the event. She stated:
“Repatriating Greek antiquities held abroad is a national priority. Today, we welcome three more pieces back from Atlanta. In addition this highlights the effectiveness of our bilateral agreements against the illegal trafficking of cultural goods.”
Collaborative for preservation of cultural heritage
The Minister also mentioned the role of the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Service in these efforts. Both organizations work nationally and internationally to raise public awareness on cultural heritage preservation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, in particular, Theodoros Dimopoulos, the head of the Consulate General of Greece in Atlanta, also played a key role in this repatriation.
The Sculpture Gallery of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens houses the three Greek masterpieces now being kept safe at the Plato Academy.
