The "Morgantina Goddess," a Classical Cult Statue

The statue of the goddess Morgantina is a statue stolen / returned to Sicily in the late 5th century BC, and is a symbol of art plundered worldwide. It is believed to have been excavated illegally from the ruins of Morgantina in Sicily in 1977. The goddess Morgantina represents an important case study involving strategies and methodologies for ancient artifacts resulting from illegal excavations, which have deprived them of their background, identity and history by criminal networks. The sculpture has long been a global symbol of plundered antiquities: scandals, millionaire inspections, investigations, public appearances by outstanding archeologists, and their uncertain swings between art and crime. This article introduces relevant information and some questions about the goddess Morgantina.