Two looted artefacts handed back to Cyprus

Two archaeological objects, which were illegally exported from Cyprus after the 1974 Turkish invasion, have been returned to the government of the Republic at a special ceremony in Berlin.

The ceremony was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Berlin, and the objects were handed over to the Ambassador to Germany, Andreas Hadjichrysanthou, by Günter Puhze and Micaela Puhze owners of the Galerie Günter Puhze.

The first object is a clay figurine of a warrior with shield which dates to the Cypro-Archaic period (7th century BC). The second object is a clay bowl of Red Polished Ware with incised decoration. The bowl dates to the Early Bronze Age (circa 2000 BC).

The Ambassador thanked Mr and Mrs Puhze for their gesture, as well as the representatives of the German Government whose contribution to the common efforts of the Embassy and the Department of Antiquities for the return of the objects was decisive.

Moreover, the Ambassador stressed the importance for Cyprus of the return of its cultural treasures which were looted and illegally exported after the Turkish invasion of 1974.

He said the return of the two objects contributes to further strengthening of excellent bilateral relations between of Cyprus and Germany.

The German government was represented at the ceremony by the deputy Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media Günter Winands. Representatives of the German Foreign Ministry were also present.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Hundreds of artefacts in the Turkish occupied north have been illegally exported abroad.