US returns smuggled ancient artifacts to Libya

US authorities have returned a cache of looted antiquities to Libya, among them a Hellenic bust of a veiled woman dating to circa 350 BCE. Image courtesy of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
US authorities have returned a cache of looted antiquities to Libya, among them a Hellenic bust of a veiled woman (left) and a work dubbed ‘Veiled Head of a Female,’ (right) both dating to circa 350 BCE. Images courtesy of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
US authorities have returned a cache of looted antiquities to Libya, among them a Hellenic bust of a veiled woman (left) and a work dubbed ‘Veiled Head of a Female,’ (right) both dating to circa 350 BCE. Images courtesy of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) – The United States on March 31 returned a cache of smuggled ancient artifacts to Libya as the oil-rich Mediterranean country struggles to protect its heritage against the backdrop of years of war, turmoil and unrest. The repatriated items include two sculptures dating to the 4th century BCE from the ancient city of Cyrene.

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