US returns stolen 2,700-year-old artifact to Palestine

By News desk -January 7, 2023


US officials have repatriated a 2,700-year-old artifact to the Palestinian Authority following a legal investigation into stolen antiquities, the New York Times reported.

The cosmetic spoon was handed over by American representatives to Palestinian officials in the city of Bethlehem on Thursday, marking the first time that a stolen artifact had been repatriated by the US to the PA.

The spoon, produced between 700 and 800 B.C. within the Assyrian Empire, is thought to have been used to pour incense onto fire during religious rituals.

It was part of a large number of objects acquired by US billionaire Michael Steinhardt, who in 2021 surrendered his $70 million collection of antiquities and received a lifetime ban on purchasing artifacts.

More:
https://pakobserver.net/us-returns-stolen-2700-year-old-artifact-to-palestine/

~ ~ ~

U.S. Repatriates Looted Ivory Spoon to Palestine Amid Michael Steinhardt Investigation

BY KAREN K. HO

January 6, 2023 4:17pm



An ivory cosmetic spoon, dating back to approximately 800-700 B.C.E, was repatriated to the Palestinian Authority by US officials.

COURTESY OF THE MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

U.S. officials have repatriated a 2,700-year-old ivory object to the Palestinian Authority this week after it was seized as part of a larger investigation into New York art collector and venture capitalist Michael Steinhardt.

The ivory object, etched with a winged figure on one side and described as a “cosmetic spoon,” was used to laden incense onto fires during rites for gods and the dead. The item dates to between 800 B.C.E. and 700 B.C.E., and is believed to be from the vast Assyrian civilization.

Steinhardt purchased the item from Israeli antiquities dealer Gil Chaya in 2003. Chaya has been accused of selling hundreds of illicit Israeli and Middle Eastern items, at least 28 of which were sold to Steinhardt, according to the New York Times. The spoon’s seizure is part of an investigation into 180 stolen antiquities valued at $70 million; Steinhardt was given a lifetime ban on acquiring antiquities as part of the inquiry.

. . .

“This artifact is important as it acquires its real scientific and archaeological value in its authentic location,” said Rula Maayah, the Palestinian minister of tourism and antiquities, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Bethlehem this week.

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/american-officials-repatriate-looted-ivory-spoon-palestine-michael-steinhardt-1234652921/