The Office of the Attorney General achieved the transfer of 892 items of archaeological and cultural value that were in a private collection to the state. The relevant decision was made by the Putyvl District Court of the Sumy region, recognizing the state’s ownership rights to these unique artifacts.
This is reported by Finway
Unique finds from different eras
As noted by the OAG, the list of seized items includes elements of weaponry, rare numismatic specimens, as well as household and cult items. Among them are arrowheads, coins from various historical periods, fibulae, crosses, rings, pendants, and other artifacts of material culture. The collection spans the period from the early Iron Age to the era of Kievan Rus, that is, from the 8th century BC to the 13th century AD. A significant portion of the artifacts belongs to the early medieval and Old Rus periods.
Protection of cultural heritage and scientific value
The prosecutor’s office emphasized that these items, given their archaeological origin and historical-cultural value, are state property and must be protected by the state. Storing artifacts in private hands could lead to their damage, loss, and also complicate scientific research and the promotion of cultural heritage.
“Their storage by a private individual created risks of damage or irreversible loss, as well as complicating scientific research and cultural-educational work.”
The Office of the Attorney General does not disclose who previously owned the collection but emphasizes the exceptional historical and scientific value of the seized artifacts for Ukraine.