A celebrated copper-alloy ibex sculpture from ancient Mesopotamia has been officially returned to Iraq, following nearly five decades on display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The handover ceremony took place on September 30, 2025, symbolizing a new chapter in cultural cooperation between Iraq and the United States.
The artifact, known as the Vessel Stand with Ibex and dated to between 2600–2350 BCE, was created using the hollow-core lost-wax casting technique—an innovative process that shaped the course of metalworking in the ancient world. Decorated with inlays of shell and lapis lazuli, the sculpture is among the earliest known examples of complex casting in Mesopotamia.
Originally acquired by The Met in 1974, the piece had been displayed almost continuously until recent provenance research revealed it rightfully belonged to the Republic of Iraq. The Museum subsequently initiated discussions with Iraq’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Nazar Al Khirullah, leading to the decision to return the sculpture.
As part of the process, the ibex underwent advanced CT-scanning at the Fraunhofer-Institute in Germany, providing new insights into its creation. Researchers confirmed that the object represents one of the oldest surviving examples of direct lost-wax casting with a clay core—a groundbreaking technique that remains influential in sculpture today.
The return is part of The Met’s broader Cultural Property Initiative, launched in 2023, which commits to reassessing the provenance of objects in its collection and strengthening partnerships with countries of origin. The program has already resulted in landmark agreements with Greece, Yemen, and India, and now deepens ties with Iraq.
“This return underscores Iraq’s central role in the history of civilization and the shared responsibility to protect humanity’s heritage,” Al Khirullah said. Iraqi officials confirmed that the ibex will eventually go on public display as part of the country’s efforts to showcase its ancient treasures.
The Met emphasized its gratitude to the Iraqi government and scholars for their collaboration and confirmed the ibex will also feature in future cultural heritage programs. The move comes as the museum prepares to reopen its galleries for the art of Ancient West Asia and Cyprus in 2027.
