Newsletter November 2007

An ancient Peruvian headdress considered a national treasure disappeared in 1988 after a tomb in northern Peru was raided. The headdress and other artifacts were sold on the black market. Authorities believe the headdress was handed to a firm of solicitors in central London by one of its clients who did not know it was stolen.

The headdress, which represents a sea god, is made from an embossed sheet of gold.

The headdress depicts a sea god and dates back to 700AD. It is an ancient artwork belonging to the Mochica civilization, and is regarded by experts as one of the most important artifacts in Peruvian cultural heritage. Dr. Walter Alva, director of the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum in Peru, described the seizure as "a very important moment in the worldwide war against illicit art and the looting of my country.” He continued, “We are speaking about an archaeological object of the utmost historical and aesthetic importance, which is one of the most important ornaments of the ancient Peruvian cultures.”

The headdress was recovered by officers from Scotland Yard's Art and Antiquities Squad. At the moment, no arrests have been made and the headdress will be returned to Peru. The investigation is now in the hands of Peruvian authorities.

The investigation in London also drew on the expertise of Michel Van Rijn, an art dealer with extensive experience in hunting for illicit and stolen works of art.  He said: “It is impossible to put a price on a piece of history and world heritage such as this because they never come on the market, but should it do so, it could potentially reach in excess of £1m.”

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

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• Newsletter December 2007
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