Norway police seize nearly 100 artifacts reportedly missing from Iraq

The cuneiform tablets and other artifacts were reportedly recovered from a private collection in Norway.
Staff members at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work around crates of looted Iraqi antiquities returned by the United States, ahead of a handover ceremony at the ministry in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2021.
Staff members at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work around crates of looted Iraqi antiquities returned by the United States, ahead of a handover ceremony at the ministry in Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2021. - Sabah Arar/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Norwegian police have seized a heap of Mesopotamian artifacts in southeast Norway, which the Iraqi government has requested be repatriated. 

Authorities on Friday said the seizure consisted of what are presumed to be cuneiform tablets and other archaeological objects from ancient Mesopotamia. Experts are now examining the objects to determine their authenticity and possible origin. AFP reports the Iraqi government had submitted a restitution request to Norway’s Ministry of Culture. 

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