[MSN] Fwd: FW: Latest from New Scotland Yard at 10:37 on 17/08/2006

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Michel Van Rijn wrote ..
> 
> ------ Forwarded Message
> From: <>
> Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 11:28:05 +0100
> To: <info at michelvanrijn.nl>
> Subject: Latest from New Scotland Yard at 10:37 on 17/08/2006
> 
> Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Art & Antiques Squad have seized
> a
> priceless ancient Peruvian headdress.
> 
> The artefact is considered to be of phenomenal importance to Peruvian
> cultural heritage and was seized from a solicitor's office in Central
> London. 
> 
> Depicting the image of a sea god, the headdress symbolises a mythical
> octopus with a stylised human head displaying cat-like features and eight
> tentacles. It is made from an embossed sheet of gold and considered to
> be an
> example of Ancient Peruvian Mochica Civilisation Art dating back to circa
> 700AD.
> 
> Following an intelligence led investigation, the Met's Art & Antiques Unit
> worked closely with the Peruvian authorities, Interpol Lima and government
> ministers. 
> 
> The director of The Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum in Peru, Dr Walter Alva
> said
> of the artefact, "Without a doubt this is a very important moment in the
> worldwide war against illicit art and the looting of my country, we are
> speaking about an archaeological object from the utmost historical and
> esthetical importance which is one of the most important ornaments of the
> ancient Peruvian cultures, no ornament of similar quality can be found
> in
> any Peruvian museum and it is inconceivable that such an important part
> of
> national treasure is out of our country."
> 
> Detectives believe the piece was extracted from the archaeological site
> 'La
> Mina' located in the Jequetepeque valley in North Peru where in 1988 a
> tomb
> was looted and its contents were immediately trafficked on the black market.
> Now it has been recovered in London, it is due to be repatriated through
> diplomatic channels.
> 
> Detective Constable Michelle Roycroft from the Met's Art & Antiques Unit
> said, "This is a hugely significant seizure by the Met's Art & Antiques
> Unit
> and we are grateful for the extensive knowledge of professionals within
> the
> art industry who have worked closely with us to enable us to make such
> an
> important recovery."
> 
> Michel Van Rijn (pronounced Michelle Van Ryan), an art dealer with extensive
> knowledge and experience of illicit and stolen works of art, whose
> invaluable help led to the recovery of the headdress said "It is impossible
> to put a price on a piece of history and world heritage such as this because
> they never come on the market, but should it do so, it could potentially
> reach in excess of £1 million."
>  
>  NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Two pictures of the stolen piece are available through
> the Metropolitan Press Bureau on 020 7230 2171 quoting picture reference:
> pics1 co545-06headdress1 or 2.
> 
> Michel Van Rijn is available for interview on 07746381554.
> 
> DC Michelle Roycroft is available for written media and radio only. Please
> register your interest with Press Bureau on 0207 230 2171.
>  
>  
>  
>  
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