Eurasia Press & News
Serbian and Bulgarian museums holding archeological treasures found on Macedonian soil have turned down a Macedonian request for them to hand over copies.Archeologist Pasko Kuzman, head of the Macedonian Cultural Heritage Bureau, says that national museums in Belgrade and in Sofia had “turned us down politely”.
Macedonia hoped to be able to display copies of four golden burial masks, a big bronze bowl and an ancient war helmet, all dating from the 5th and 6th century B.C. in its new archeological museum, set to open this year in the centre of Skopje.Archeologist Pasko Kuzman, head of the Macedonian Cultural Heritage Bureau, says that national museums in Belgrade and in Sofia had “turned us down politely”.
Macedonia hoped to be able to display copies of four golden burial masks, a big bronze bowl and an ancient war helmet, all dating from the 5th and 6th century B.C. in its new archeological museum, set to open this year in the centre of Skopje.“There are many ways to turn someone down!” Pasko jested.
He adds that after this outcome the Macedonian bureau is seriously considering a formal demand for the restitution of the original artifacts.
However, he says that, observing similar practices around the world, the chances of actual restitution taking place are slim.
Macedonia for now can count on Turkish help to obtain a copy of a valuable sarcophagus with a relief of the Ancient warrior Alexander the Great, which is in a museum in Istanbul.
