Iraqi ancient treasures found in Baghdad cesspool

[Barrett808]

BAGHDAD, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Two priceless pieces of Iraq's ancient heritage, looted from Baghdad's main museum in the chaotic days after Saddam Hussein's fall, have been recovered from a Baghdad cesspool, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

The Akkadian Bassetki, a copper statue of a seated man dating from 2300 BC, and an Assyrian brazier carved in wood and bronze dating from 850 BC, were recovered by police investigators, the authorities said.

The Bassetki statue is considered the most important of Iraq's ancient artworks after the so-called Warka Mask of a Sumerian goddess, recovered earlier this year.

"I would describe this as a spectacular find and we're extremely pleased," John Russell, an art expert who is helping to restore recovered artefacts, told Reuters.

"As far as I can tell their condition is OK, although they still need a bit of cleaning up," Russell said.

No further details were given as to how the pieces were found or who was involved in the investigation.

(more)

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L06204155.htm

[Malva Zebrina]

1. Bush allowing the museum to be looted

is a most disgusting and lamentable event. This civilisation and all of it's history and ancient artifacts is extremely important to the contribution of knowledge of the history of man. Of course, Bush, has not got a clue in his stupidity and in his crassness. He never heard of Akkadia.

[MercutioATC]

2. See, the Iraqis know how to do things right.

Hide it in poo. Nobody looks there.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. here's a pic