The Libyan Department of Antiquities and the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA, have reached a preliminary agreement to return a Ptolemaic statue to Libya.
In a statement, the museum revealed that it acquired the black basalt statue in 1991. The Libyan Department of Antiquities provided evidence of Libyan ownership, which the museum acknowledged.
The museum’s statement also noted that the statue had been on loan from the Department of Antiquities for an unspecified period.
Mohamed Faraj Mohamed, head of the Libyan Department of Antiquities, expressed appreciation for the museum’s willingness to cooperate.
“We value the Cleveland Museum of Art’s readiness to work with us in repatriating this significant piece. We look forward to continued collaboration with the museum,” he said.
Earlier this month, the European Union Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, called for the protection of Libyan cultural heritage from looting, trafficking, and vandalism.
Orlando inaugurated an international conference on the protection of Libyan cultural heritage in Tripoli, with the participation of 20 experts from five European countries.
Among the participants were archaeological missions, and representatives from law enforcement agencies from Italy, in cooperation with the Department of Antiquities and Tourist Police of the Ministry of Interior.
“Libyan cultural heritage is extraordinary. It belongs to all Libyans and to humanity. It represents our rich, common Mediterranean roots. Its economic and employment potential is remarkable,” he said.
“This is why together we must protect it from looting, trafficking and vandalism,” he added.
He emphasised that the European Union and its member states are proud of their partnership to protect and preserve Libyan cultural heritage, contributing to national unity and reconciliation.
In March, Libya successfully reclaimed a treasured funerary statue from France, stolen in 2016 from the historic city of Shahhat. This event marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the illegal trade of cultural artifacts and emphasizes the importance of global efforts in protecting heritage.
