According to CNN Greece, a marble fragment dating back to the 6th century BCE, believed to have once adorned the Acropolis of Athens, was repatriated from Chile to Greece, where it "was born." The fragment, a piece of marble sima (waterspout) measuring 8.2 x 11.4 cm, retains the upper part of an incised decoration of an anthemion, framed by lotus flowers.
The artifact was in the possession of a Chilean citizen whose family had held it since the 1930s, with the knowledge that it originated from the Acropolis of Athens. Moved by Greece's "just struggle to reclaim the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum," the Chilean citizen contacted the Greek Embassy in Santiago at the beginning of the year to express his desire to return the marble fragment to Greece.
The examination of the fragment led to its attribution to an archaic temple founded on the sacred rock of the Acropolis. Experts believe it likely belonged to the Hecatompedon, a temple mentioned in ancient inscriptions and erected during the time of Peisistratus, around 570-550 BCE.
"For Greece, the repatriation of every cultural asset that has been unlawfully exported gives us great joy and satisfaction," stated Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. "At the Ministry of Culture, we firmly believe that all unlawfully exported antiquities, from any country, must be returned to their place of origin, to the people to whom they belong, as part of their collective identity."
Mendoni further emphasized the collective responsibility in preserving cultural heritage. "Respecting and promoting cultural heritage constitutes a national responsibility and a global moral commitment," she added. "The protection of cultural heritage is achieved only through cooperation, mutual assistance, and mutual understanding."
"The repatriation of the small marble fragment is the result of excellent cooperation between the Directorate of Documentation and Protection of Cultural Goods of the Ministry of Culture and our Embassy in the capital of Chile, Santiago," Mendoni concluded.
The marble fragment was delivered to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens. Its return signifies not only the recovery of a piece of Greek heritage but also demonstrates the positive outcomes of international cooperation and mutual respect for cultural property.
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