A valuable marble fragment of great historical significance has been repatriated from Chile. It is a fragment of a marble sima (rainwater spout), measuring 8.2 x 11.4 cm, which preserves the upper part of an incised decoration featuring a palmette flanked by lotus flowers. It is dated to the 6th century BC. The marble fragment was in the possession of a Chilean citizen who stated that his family had owned it since the 1930s, with the information that it originated from the Acropolis. Earlier this year, he contacted the Greek Embassy in Santiago and expressed his wish to return the fragment to Greece, saying he was moved by the just cause of our country to reclaim the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum.

The Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: “For Greece, the repatriation of every cultural asset that has been illegally exported brings us great joy and satisfaction. At the Ministry of Culture, we firmly believe that all antiquities that have been illegally removed – regardless of the country – must be returned to their place of origin, to the people to whom they belong, as part of their collective identity. The protection of cultural heritage can only be achieved through cooperation, mutual assistance, and understanding. Respecting and showcasing that heritage is both a national responsibility and a global moral obligation. The repatriation of this small marble fragment is the result of excellent cooperation between the Directorate for Documentation and Protection of Cultural Property at the Ministry and our Embassy in Santiago, the capital of Chile”.

The valuable fragment has already returned to Greece and was delivered to the Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens. Examination of the piece led to its identification as belonging to an Archaic temple founded on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis of Athens, likely the Hekatompedon, as mentioned in ancient inscriptions, which was built during the rule of Peisistratos, around 570-550 BC.