**German Museums Bestow Replica of Ancient Aphrodite Head to Cyprus**
A faithful replica of the head of Aphrodite of Lefkolla has been officially presented to the Paralimni-Deryneia town hall, marking a significant moment for the local community and its cultural heritage. The replica, which arrived on Friday, is seen by the municipality as a “symbolic return” of the artefact to its original area, where it was first discovered.
The head of Aphrodite of Lefkolla is considered one of the most important archaeological finds from the Famagusta district. It is believed to have belonged to a large limestone statue of Aphrodite, the patron deity of ancient Lefkolla, which was housed in a sanctuary dating back to the Classical period in the fourth century BC. The original sculpture was unearthed during the late Ottoman period by Luigi Palma di Cesnola, an Italian-born American diplomat who served as the United States consul in Cyprus in the 19th century. Cesnola is known for his extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities, many of which were exported abroad and eventually entered various museum collections in Europe and the United States.
The replica was produced through a collaborative effort involving the municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia, the Neues Museum in Berlin, and Humboldt University of Berlin. The institutions provided a three-dimensional digital reproduction of the sculpture, facilitating the creation of an accurate copy of the original artefact. Municipal authorities noted that the construction of the replica followed months of discussions and coordinated efforts with the German institutions, who generously agreed to provide the digital model free of charge.
The original head of Aphrodite was sold to the Berlin Museum, where it has remained since its acquisition. Cesnola’s collection faced significant challenges, including the loss of approximately 35,000 antiquities at sea when his commissioned vessel, the Napried, sank. Despite these setbacks, the head of Aphrodite has endured as a vital piece of Cypriot heritage.
The arrival of the replica is intended to draw attention to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Lefkolla, a settlement that once thrived in the area now known as Protaras. Municipal officials expressed their appreciation for the support received from various stakeholders, including Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianides, Neues Museum director Martin Maischberger, and Humboldt University professor Stephan Schmid, who played crucial roles in facilitating the initiative.
The replica serves not only as a tribute to the historical significance of the original artefact but also as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Cyprus's cultural legacy. The municipality hopes that the replica will inspire local residents and visitors alike to engage with the island's rich archaeological history and foster a deeper appreciation for the ancient civilizations that once flourished in the region.
As the replica of the head of Aphrodite of Lefkolla finds its new home in Paralimni-Deryneia, it stands as a testament to the enduring connection between Cyprus and its ancient past, while also highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the preservation of cultural heritage.