Greece Hails Return of Ancient Griffin Head, Urges Global Repatriation

10:46 26/2/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greece celebrated the return of a bronze griffin head, dating back to 650-625 B.C., in a ceremony at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni received the artifact from MET Director

Max Hollein, marking a collaborative effort to combat the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage.

The bronze griffin head, once part of a bronze tripod cauldron, had been in the MET’s Greek and Roman Antiquities Collection since the early 1970s, following a private donation.

The MET initiated the repatriation after a 2018 investigation concluded the artifact had not been legally exported from Greece.

During the ceremony, Ms. Mendoni emphasized the significance of the return. “This return is especially significant because it was not the result of a formal claim by Greek authorities.

Instead, the MET took the initiative to investigate the provenance of this artifact, demonstrating a commitment to scientific integrity, professional ethics, and respect for cultural heritage,” Ms. Mendoni stated.

She highlighted the global shift toward ethical collection practices and called for the return of all illegally exported antiquities.

“I firmly believe that all antiquities illegally removed from any country must be returned to their birthplace and rightful owners, as they are essential components of their cultural heritage,” Ms. Mendoni said.

Mr. Hollein described the repatriation as “a very special moment for the collaboration between the MET and the Greek Ministry of Culture.”

He noted, “This is an extremely important repatriation of one of the most emblematic pieces in our Greek and Roman Antiquities Collection. The bronze griffin head was thoroughly investigated, and we concluded that it did not leave its country of origin, Greece, legally.”

Mr. Hollein underscored the shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage.

“Our collaboration is based on a mutual belief in the importance of safeguarding cultural treasures and fostering constructive dialogue,” Mr. Hollein said.

The return of the bronze griffin head is part of a growing global movement against the illegal trade of cultural artifacts.

Greece, heavily impacted by looting, has been at the forefront of these efforts. Ms. Mendoni’s remarks reflect a call for museums worldwide to reassess collections and prioritize ethical practices.

“Such acts of restitution are not just about returning objects; they are about restoring dignity, identity, and history to their rightful place,” Ms. Mendoni concluded.

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Greece Hails Return,Ancient Griffin Head Urges Global Repatriation