Greek antiquities, including a stunning Attic marble votive relief dating to the second half of the 4th century BC, along with five bronze anthropomorphic figurines, were repatriated from London on Thursday. Their return marks the successful conclusion of a long-term legal claim by the Greek State.
The antiquities were previously in the possession of Robin Symes Limited, a company currently undergoing liquidation. The Greek government’s efforts to reclaim these artifacts began in 2006. These items join hundreds of other objects recovered from the same company in May 2023.
The repatriation of Greek antiquities is the result of systematic efforts
In relation to the repatriation of the antiquities, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated:
“The repatriation of antiquities from Robin Symes Ltd is yet another significant result of the Ministry of Culture’s systematic and well-organized efforts to protect and recover our cultural heritage. Through methodical legal documentation and consistency, we have concluded a lengthy process, proving that the Greek State never abandons a claim.”
Mendoni further emphasized that the return of the votive relief and the bronze figurines is part of a broader strategy that has yielded “tangible results,” with hundreds of artifacts returning to Greece in recent years.
The Attic marble votive relief
This marble votive relief, measuring 52 centimeters (20.5 inches) in height and 92 centimeters (36 inches) in width, is carved in the form of a naiskos (a small shrine). It features lateral pilasters with capitals supporting an architrave and a horizontal cornice.
According to the inscription “Ἀρτέμιδι Μουνιχίαι” (“To Artemis Munichia”) engraved on the architrave, the relief was a dedicated offering to the goddess Artemis Munichia. It offers a vivid window into ancient Greek religious practice, depicting a scene of sacrifice and worship dedicated to Artemis Munichia.
Standing tall and commanding, the goddess is identified not only by the inscription but also by the quiver visible behind her back. She holds two upright, lit torches in her left hand, while her right hand is lowered in a relaxed pose. Artemis wears an Attic peplos, belted just below the breast, and a cloak. Her hair is gathered in a short ponytail—a hairstyle typical for the young, virgin goddess.
A low altar stands before Artemis, serving as a symbolic boundary between the divine and mortal world. Behind the altar, the head of a young goat (eriphion) intended for sacrifice is visible. A young male slave is depicted nearby, carrying the kanoun—a shallow ritual basket containing the necessary items for the sacrifice. Carved in low relief on the side pilaster, a female servant balances a cylindrical cista (sacred chest) on her head, supporting it with her raised right hand.
Approaching from the right, a procession of mortals is depicted on a significantly smaller scale to emphasize the goddess’s divine stature. The group consists of eight adults: three men raising their right hands in a gesture of supplication or prayer, and five women.
Six children lead the procession, standing directly before the adults, symbolizing the entire family’s participation in the ritual.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
