Algeria Retrieves Precious “Gorgon” Mask From Ousted Pt Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s Palace In Tunis

Algerian Minister of Culture, Azeddine Mihoubi, revealed that Algeria officially retrieved the imposing plastered mask of “Gorgon” made of marble stolen from the Annaba Museum, after 16 years of its presence in the palace of deposed Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, explaining that this recovered masterpiece is a major archaeological gain for Algeria.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of his response to an MP’s oral question at the People’s National Assembly on Thursday, the culture minister said that the “white marble” mask which was stolen from the archaeological site of Hippone in Annaba in 1996, was later found in the palace of ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, adding that it was discovered by an Algerian citizen, and it was then agreed with the Tunisian party to retrieve this rare masterpiece.

He added, “The theft was carried out during the nineties,” stressing that the terrorist groups in that period were behind the theft of this outstanding archeological masterpiece, which weighs 350 kg”.

“We therefore worked with the Tunisian party represented by the Ministry of Culture to retrieve this archeological masterpiece deemed as an important piece in promoting the rich cultural and historical heritage of Algeria,” he said.

The culture minister also asserted that the security crisis, which Algeria was going through in the 90’s, prompted the terrorist groups at the time to work in coordination with trafficking international networks to smuggle rare relics.

 “The stolen mask of “Gorgon” was covertly transferred to Ben Ali’s Palace in Tunis and remained there for many years before it was detected,” he noted.

The minister added that the retrieved precious mask was now placed at the Algiers Museum because the Hippone Museum in Annaba province (far-eastern Algeria) needs more security protection. 

“On this occasion, I call for an increased security protection of all archaeological sites and museums across the national territory because Algerian heritage is priceless owing to its heavy cultural and tourism weight,” Mr. Mihoubi underscored to this effect.