Bronze Head of a Griffin, 7th century BCE returns to Greece as part of MET’s repatriation of cultural artifacts efforts. Photo: Bruce Schwarz/Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The repatriation of cultural artifacts continues as the Metropolitan Museum of Art returns a 7th BCE Griffin Bronze Head to Greece

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York has returned a bronze griffin head dating back to the seventh century BCE to Greece. An invaluable ancient artifact, this extraordinary object has been part of The Met’s collection since 1972. It was recently determined to have been illicitly removed from the Archaeological Museum of Olympia in Greece in the 1930s. The return of the griffin head underscores the ongoing global commitment to repatriate stolen or illegally trafficked cultural treasures. It marks a critical milestone in provenance research and recovery efforts.

The bronze griffin head dates back over 2,600 years. It is a significant artifact in terms of its age, artistic, and historical value. Cast-bronze griffin heads were once used to adorn large ceremonial cauldrons in Greek sanctuaries. These cauldrons served as votive gifts to the gods, making the griffin head an essential piece of ancient Greek religious and ceremonial life. Today, archaeologists are discovering many similar objects. However, this particular griffin head is one of the finest examples to exist. Its intricate craftsmanship and well-preserved state make it an irreplaceable piece of ancient Greek history.

The Ancient Bronze Griffin Head: A Cultural Treasure

The griffin head was discovered in 1914 in a riverbed in the Peloponnese region of Greece by a curator at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. This museum houses some of Greece’s most important archaeological artifacts. It was unaware that the griffin head had been stolen from its collection. In 1948, it surfaced in New York, where financier and Met trustee Walter C. Baker purchased it from a dealer. Baker later bequeathed it to The Met in 1972. The artifact soon became a prized exhibit in the museum’s Greek and Roman galleries, where it remained for decades.

For years, the griffin head’s fate remained a mystery. It wasn’t until recent provenance research and investigation by both The Met and Greek officials that the true story behind its disappearance came to light. The revelation was that the artifact was stolen when the Archaeological Museum of Olympia was under the management of a certain museum head. The individual was subsequently criminally prosecuted over 80 years ago for their role in the theft.

The Met’s Commitment to Provenance Research

The return of the griffin head to Greece marked a significant achievement in The Met’s ongoing commitment to provenance research. In recent years, the museum has been ramping up its efforts to investigate the origins of its collection. This objective is to ensure that the acquisition of a piece was not through illicit means. The appointment of Lucian Simmons as the inaugural provenance research chief in 2023 marked a new chapter in the museum’s efforts to resolve any questionable provenance of its holdings.

Simmons was a former senior specialist in the international art world at Sotheby’s. He spearheaded the initiative to investigate the provenance of items in the museum’s extensive collection. This effort was pivotal in identifying the griffin head as a stolen artifact and initiating the conversations that ultimately led to its return to Greece. The repatriation of the griffin head is the first successful return of any antiquity under Simmons’s leadership. However, the discussions surrounding the return have been ongoing since 2018.

Greek Government’s Role in the Repatriation

The repatriation of the griffin head was the result of extensive collaboration between The Met and the Greek government. Greece has long been a victim of cultural theft and illicit trafficking of its ancient treasures. In fact, many of Greece’s most prized artifacts have been illegally removed from their homeland over the past century, with countless objects ending up in private collections or foreign museums.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni traveled to the United States for the official handover of the griffin head. She expressed gratitude to The Met for its role in returning the artifact. Mendoni praised the museum’s dedication to investigating the provenance of its collection. More importantly, she acknowledged the significance of this gesture for Greece, both symbolically and practically.

“Greece is among the countries where cultural treasures have long suffered theft and illicit trafficking,” Mendoni stated. “On behalf of the Greek government and the people of Greece, I extend my gratitude to the museum’s administration and curatorial staff. This gesture carries profound symbolic and practical significance.”

Repatriation of Cultural Artifacts: The Broader Impact

The return of the griffin head is more than just the return of a stolen artifact to its rightful home. It represents the broader movement towards the restitution of cultural property. Above all, it explicates the strengthening of international cooperation in combating art theft and illicit trade. For Greece, this return symbolizes a victory in the ongoing fight to reclaim cultural artifacts taken without authorization, often in violation of international conventions and agreements.

This repatriation also sends a message to other museums and collectors worldwide. It urges them to ensure proper vetting of their collections. Above all, it encourages them to adopt transparent practices when it comes to acquiring and displaying cultural artifacts. With increasing pressure from the global community, museums must demonstrate higher standards regarding the provenance of their collections. The griffin head’s return to Greece marks a major milestone in this evolving dialogue.

Future Collaborations: Greece and The Met

Although the griffin head has now returned to Greece, the collaboration between Greece and The Met will continue. In a gesture of goodwill and shared cultural heritage, Greece has agreed to loan the griffin head back to The Met for an exhibition next year. This ongoing cultural exchange will allow the public in New York. During the show, visitors from around the world have the chance to appreciate the significance of this ancient artifact. They will also get the chance to honor the spirit of international cooperation.

Max Hollein, the director and CEO of The Met, expressed the museum’s commitment to further collaboration with Greece. “The Met is honored to collaborate with the Hellenic Republic on the return of this extraordinary object. We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Greek government and look forward to continued engagement and opportunities for cultural exchange,” he said.

The Role of Museums in Protecting Cultural Heritage

The repatriation of the griffin head emphasizes the crucial role that museums play in protecting and preserving cultural heritage. While museums are often the custodians of the world’s most significant artifacts, they also have to be transparent. Additionally, they must show responsibility and integrity when it comes to the acquisition and stewardship of cultural objects. The hope is that many art institutions will join in the repatriation of cultural artifacts.

As The Met’s provenance research program continues to evolve, expectations are that many more artifacts with questionable origins will be put under the microscope. This research will eventually lead to further repatriations of artifacts stolen or illegally trafficked. The museum’s actions set an important precedent for the global art community. Hopefully, it will inspire other institutions to follow suit and engage in meaningful efforts to restore cultural treasures to their rightful homes.

A New Era in the Repatriation of Cultural Artifacts

The return of the ancient bronze griffin head to Greece is a landmark event in the ongoing global movement to restore stolen cultural treasures. It highlights the growing importance of provenance research. Above all, it demonstrates the power of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by cultural theft and illicit trafficking.

By returning this priceless artifact to its rightful home, The Met recommits itself to the repatriation of cultural artifacts. It sets a powerful example for other museums and institutions around the world to follow. The continued collaboration between Greece and The Met promises to foster a deeper appreciation of shared cultural heritage. It will ensure that future generations can experience these remarkable artifacts in their true historical context.