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Art of the Ancient World, C. 5000 B.c.e.–400 C.E.

Art of the Ancient Near East

What happened to the Warka Vase?

In April of 2003, the Warka Vase was stolen from the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, during the civil unrest that followed the U.S. invasion of the country. It was a devastating loss for art history, and especially the people of Iraq, for whom the vase represents an important part of their cultural heritage. Fortunately, the vase was returned a few months later, though it was badly damaged.