Libya has successfully recovered a rare ancient statue that was looted during World War II and had remained abroad for decades.
The statue, dating back to the Ptolemaic period, was originally taken from the archaeological site of Ptolemais (modern-day Tolmeitha) and was most recently held at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States.
The artifact was returned to Libya under a memorandum of understanding signed between Libya and the United States on April 17, aimed at combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property and facilitating the return of stolen heritage items.
According to Libya’s Department of Antiquities, the recovery followed extensive negotiations and diplomatic efforts. Libyan authorities provided legal documentation and historical evidence confirming that the statue was unlawfully removed from the country and rightfully belongs to Libya.
The statue had been trafficked through the international art market following its removal during the instability of the World War II era. Like many other artifacts displaced during times of conflict, it was acquired without proper provenance and displayed in a major US institution.
The Department of Antiquities confirmed that the statue will be transported back to Libya in accordance with international archaeological and museum standards. Officials emphasized that this successful recovery highlights Libya’s ongoing commitment to protecting its cultural heritage and restoring artifacts lost to looting and illegal export.
Authorities also expressed appreciation for the cooperation with US officials and cultural institutions, and reaffirmed that Libya will continue working with its international partners to track down and recover other antiquities that have been illegally removed from the country.
This case marks a significant victory in Libya’s broader effort to reclaim its historical identity and preserve the legacy of its ancient civilizations.
