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The Gorgon Mask

The mask of the gorgon was unearthed in 1930 during excavations by M.CHOUPAUT near the forum of the ancient Hippo Regius – Annaba. This white marble mask adorned the facade of a public fountain and served as an outlet for a water supply pipe. The mask of the gorgon was stolen from the ancient site of Hippo Regius Wilaya of Annaba on the night of March 4 to 5, 1996 towards Tunisia. The return of the gorgon mask to Algeria is the result of long-term work carried out by the Ministry of Culture as part of its strategy to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property in accordance with Law 98-04 relating to the protection of cultural heritage and the UNESCO convention of 1970 and in collaboration with the General Directorate of National Security and the Ministry of Justice.