U.S. embassy hands 5,000 artifacts to Iraq Museum

 

By Shayma Adel

 

Azzaman, November 25, 2009

 

The U.S. embassy in Baghdad has given 515 archaeological items to the Iraq Museum, Antiquities Department chief said.

 

Qais Rasheed said the treasures date to “various ancient periods” of Iraq’s history.

 

“The FBI and the American embassy in Baghdad passed the treasures to the Iraq Museum,” he said.

 

“The collection includes pottery pieces, cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals, precious stones and statues from different Mesopotamian epochs,” he added.

 

Thousands of artifacts are still missing from the museum whose exhibits were looted shortly after the 2003-U.S. invasion.

 

But Rasheed said none of the pieces were part of the museum inventory of missing items.

 

“These artifacts were seized from illegal diggers who encroach on Iraqi archaeological sites,” he said.

 

However, he did not say who seized the artifacts and how they were collected.

 

Illegal trade in Iraqi antiquities has turned into brisk business. Iraqi scientists say illegal excavations and digs by gangs and even ordinary people currently take place at some of the country most famous ancient sties.

 

Early this week, Iraqi security forces were said to have smashed a ring of smugglers in the city of Hadhar where one of Iraq’s most fabulous ancient cities is located.