The Metropolitan Museum of Art has officially returned a rare bronze griffin head from the 7th century B.C.E. to Greece after confirming its illicit origins. The decision followed extensive research revealing the artifact had been stolen from the Archaeological Museum of Olympia in the 1930s.
A Stolen Artifact Rediscovered
The griffin head was originally unearthed in 1914 in the Kladeos River and later displayed at the museum in Olympia. However, it vanished during the 1930s and reappeared in 1948 at New York’s Joseph Brummer Gallery. Eventually, it entered the Met’s collection in 1972 as a donation from former trustee Walter C. Baker. A recent review of its provenance confirmed its illegal removal, leading to the decision to return it to its rightful home.
Formal Handover and Future Exhibition
In a ceremony held in New York, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni officially accepted the artifact from the Met’s director, Max Hollein. As part of an agreement, the griffin head will return temporarily to the Met for a special exhibition next year. Mendoni commended the museum’s commitment to provenance research and cultural heritage preservation.
Provenance Research and Ongoing Efforts
The Met has faced increasing scrutiny over the origins of its collection, prompting the institution to strengthen its research efforts. Last year, it expanded its provenance research team and appointed Lucian Simmons, a former restitution expert at Sotheby’s, to lead these investigations.
During her visit, Mendoni also addressed broader cultural heritage issues with U.S. officials. She oversaw the return of an ancient Greek lekythos from Pennsylvania’s Glencairn Museum and participated in discussions regarding a significant Greek antiquities exhibition planned in connection with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Strengthening Protections Against Antiquities Trafficking
Greece and the United States are also negotiating the renewal of a 2011 agreement aimed at preventing the trafficking of cultural artifacts. This agreement, set to expire in 2026, plays a vital role in protecting and repatriating stolen antiquities.
The return of the bronze griffin head marks another step in international efforts to restore stolen heritage to its rightful place, reinforcing the importance of ethical collection practices and collaboration between museums and governments.
