Bulgaria refuses to send the unique gold mask, found this summer by Bulgarian archaeologists, to Japan, where it was expected to participate in the International Expo 2005. Photo by Kameliya Atanasova (Sofia News Agency)
Bulgaria has refused to send the unique Thracian gold mask to Japan where it was expected to participate in the International Expo 2005.
Prof. Vassil Nikolov, Director of the Archaeological Institute in Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, has declined the invitation, sent by the Fine Art Institute in the Tokyo University, Stefan Damyanov, the mayor of Bulgarian town of Kazanlak, announced.
The municipality of Kazanlak, the town in whose surroundings the mask was found, has refused to seal a contract with "Bulgarian Investment Fund" for managing the Goliamata Kosmatka ancient Thracian tomb.
The gold mask, unearthed in Bulgaria this summer together with other gold artifacts, is believed to depict the face of ancient Thracian king, probably that of Seutus III or Theres and was proclaimed an archeological sensation.
The 2,500-year-old unique find has been exhibited twice in Bulgaria so far and already triggered interest among museums all over the world.