A figurine from Mariupol has been added to the list of the ten most wanted artefacts in the world: it disappeared during the occupation

A bull figurine from Mariupol, created around 6000 BC, has been named one of the ten most sought-after artefacts in the world by the Antiquities Coalition. This unique exhibit disappeared during the occupation of the city and became a symbol of Ukraine's cultural struggle. Find out why this find is of global significance and how its loss reflects the scale of cultural aggression against Ukraine

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The Antiquities Coalition has announced that a Neolithic bull figurine from Mariupol has been added to its list of the ‘Ten Most Wanted Artifacts in the World.’ The announcement was made at an event organised by the Atlantic Council, which was attended by Ukraine's First Deputy Minister of Culture, Galina Grigorenko.

What makes this figurine unique?

Carved from bone, it dates back to around 6000 BC. The inhabitants of the Azov region probably used it as a toy or for ritual purposes. It was found in a child's grave, where it lay untouched for about 8,000 years.

In the 1930s, archaeologist Mykola Makarenko, one of Ukraine's leading researchers, excavated it in what is now Mariupol. In 1934, he was arrested by the Soviet authorities and executed in Siberia in 1938 for disobeying cultural policy.

How the artefact disappeared

During the occupation of Mariupol in 2022, when the city was subjected to massive bombing, the museum was looted and the figurine disappeared from the exhibition. There are known cases of it being displayed at exhibitions in Russia.

Ukrainian authorities estimate that since the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have lost at least 1.7 million artefacts from museums, archives and monuments, which constitutes systematic cultural aggression.

According to Galina Grigorenko, war is not only a struggle for territory, but also for the right to remember and preserve a distinct history.

Deborah Lahr, chair and founder of the Coalition for Antiquities, described the disappearance as a ‘deliberate act of cultural aggression’ and called on the international community to work together to return the figurines.

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Global response

At the international level, campaigns such as Ten Most Wanted Antiquities are modelled on the FBI's list of most wanted criminals: the aim is to mobilise society, museums and law enforcement agencies to search for and return lost objects.

The figurine, which was kept in the Mariupol Museum, replaced the previously sought-after icon of Kverat Rees from Ethiopia, which was found in Portugal in 2023.

It is worth noting that successful examples — the return of the statue of Ganesha from Cambodia and the Ethiopian icon — demonstrate how joint efforts by government agencies, experts and the public can yield results.

The story of the stolen figurine reminds us that cultural heritage is part of national identity, and its loss affects the memory of an entire people. Today, everyone can contribute to supporting Ukraine.

Visit Ukraine promotes domestic tourism by helping to open up safe routes around our country for Ukrainians and foreigners. Travel is a way to maintain interest in living culture and show the world that Ukraine remains open despite the war. Choose a tour of Ukraine right now.

In addition, Visit Ukraine merchandise is not just souvenirs. It is a symbol of solidarity and support, with proceeds from sales going towards the development of cultural and tourism initiatives. By purchasing a themed T-shirt or accessory, you become part of a global movement to protect Ukrainian history.

Reminder! The first museum of mathematics has opened in Ukraine. Find out where it is and what you can see there.

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