Libya recovered an ancient statue from the Ptolemaic era that had been displayed in the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, after being smuggled out of the country during World War II. An official agreement confirming the return of the statue's ownership to Libya was signed in the presence of the head of the Libyan Department of Antiquities, Mohamed Farag, and the director of the Cleveland Museum, William Griswold. The signing was conducted in accordance with international protocols, marking a milestone in Libya's efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage.
The recovery of the statue was made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Libya and the US regarding the illicit trafficking of cultural property, which facilitated its re-acquisition. This agreement played a crucial role in enhancing mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage and promoting the return of stolen artifacts to their countries of origin, according to Anadolu Agency.
The statue dates back to the Ptolemaic era, around the 3rd century BCE, during the Hellenistic rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty. It was looted from the ancient city of Tolemaïs (Ptolemaida) during World War II, a period when many Libyan antiquities were vulnerable to theft due to chaos and weakened institutional protection. The artifact was kept for decades in the Cleveland Museum of Art after being illegally exported to the global art market.
The Libyan Department of Antiquities provided documents and scientific evidence proving the state's ownership of the statue, which was instrumental in securing its return. The recovery followed intensive diplomatic and scientific efforts that lasted for years, demonstrating Libya's dedication to preserving its national heritage.
In recent years, Libya intensified its efforts to recover smuggled antiquities, signing numerous memoranda of understanding with countries to combat the smuggling of cultural property and to bring back illegally taken artifacts. These agreements facilitated the return of several important pieces and reinforced international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.