Switzerland returns Assyrian artifact to Iraq
An Assyrian gypsum mural artifact, dating back to the 7th century BC, depicting a chariot driven by a horse and carrying three people surrounded by palm trees. Photo: Iraqi Foreign Ministry
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Charge d’Affaires of the Iraqi embassy in Switzerland, Mohamad Jawad, received on Monday an Iraqi Assyrian artifact from the head of the Specialized Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property at the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, Fabienne Baraga, during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture in Bern, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement revealed that the artifact, dating back to the 7th century BC, is a mural made of gypsum rock depicting a chariot driven by a horse and carrying three people surrounded by palm trees.
The piece’s length is 64 centimeters, its height is 41 centimeters, and its thickness is 9 centimeters.
During a speech he delivered at the ceremony, Jawad valued the efforts of the Specialized Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property at the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, explaining that the recovery of the artifact is very important for the history and cultural heritage of Iraq.
Baraga explained that Switzerland prioritizes cultural relations, combats illegal trafficking of cultural property, preserves the world’s cultural heritage, and returns artifacts to their homes.
Archaeologists see that this piece is originally from Mosul and that it represents great importance for Iraq’s heritage.