US returns nicked artefacts to Italy

New York – The United States on Thursday returned to Italy stolen artefacts worth at least $90 000 (R1.1 million), dating back to the eighth century BC, that were looted and trafficked overseas, officials said.

The items include a Sardinian bronze ox and a Sardinian bronze warrior from the eighth century BC, a Greek bronze Heracles from the third or fourth century BC and a fourth-century BC drinking cup depicting two goats butting heads.

Six of the items were seized from a Manhattan gallery in April as part of an ongoing investigation into international antiquities trafficking. – AFP