Five Cypriot antiquities repatriated from Sweden

Five ancient Cypriot artifacts have been officially returned to the Republic of Cyprus following a voluntary surrender process in Sweden. The items were handed over to the Cypriot Embassy on October 21, 2026, marking a successful effort in the international campaign to recover cultural heritage.

The collection includes a Red Polished III or IV ware juglet from the Middle Bronze Age (1900–1600 BC), a White Painted I ware skyphos from the Cypro-Geometric I period (1050–950 BC), and a Bichrome III ware lentoid flask from the Cypro-Geometric III period (900–750 BC). Additionally, the artifacts include a fragmentary White Painted ware plate and a terracotta female figurine fragment dating to the 6th century BC. The repatriation was facilitated through the cooperation of the family of Bengt Widehag and the Crafoord Auktioner auction house.

The Department of Antiquities of the Cypriot Deputy Ministry of Culture expressed gratitude for the voluntary cooperation, which allowed these historical objects to be restored to their place of origin. This event underscores the ongoing efforts by Cypriot authorities to locate and repatriate cultural properties held in foreign collections.