Paris, France. A Cypriot artefact dating to around 600 BC has been returned to Cyprus following a year-long effort involving authorities in Cyprus and France. The antiquities department said the object was officially handed over to the Cypriot embassy in Paris last week.
Return process
The antiquities department said the artefact was identified in an online auction in France in May last year. Its return followed coordinated efforts by the antiquities department, the police, Interpol, and the French culture ministry.
Owner consent
According to the antiquities department, the artefact’s owner consented to its return to Cyprus.
Description of the artefact
The artefact is a Cypro-Archaic four-horse chariot model featuring a warrior with a shield and a charioteer, both wearing conical helmets.
Historical use
These models were often used as votive offerings and were typically linked to sanctuaries and burial sites.