Brief

Jordan receives 14,000‑year‑old stone fragment from Australia

The artefact, part of the world’s oldest large‑scale sculpture, was handed over during King Abdullah II’s state visit.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 07:20:23 GMT

Jordan has taken possession of a 14,000‑year‑old mudstone fragment from Australia, completing the return of three pieces that together form what is believed to be the world’s oldest large‑scale sculpture, Gulf News reported.

What happened

The carved stone panel, discovered in 1983 by a joint University of Sydney‑Wooster College excavation, was transferred to the National Gallery of Australia in 1985 under an agreement between the two nations. On 14 October 2026, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi received the fragment at a ceremony in the gallery, held alongside King Abdullah II’s state visit.

What the reports add

Gulf News notes that the fragment is one of three sections; the other two are displayed at the Jordan Museum in Amman and Dar Al Saraya Museum in Irbid, about 89 km north of the capital. The ministry described the artefact as of “exceptional archaeological and historical significance.” The handover was attended by Australian Special Envoy for the Arts Susan Templeman and senior cultural officials.

What was said

Safadi praised the cooperation between Jordan and Australia, thanking the Australian government and the National Gallery for facilitating the return, according to the report.

How it came about

Jordan, home to over 100,000 discovered archaeological sites—more than 15,000 officially registered—has long sought the return of the fragments. The recent ceremony marks the final piece’s repatriation after decades of diplomatic and cultural negotiations.

Key facts

• Jordan received a 14,000‑year‑old mudstone fragment from Australia on 14 Oct 2026. (gulfnews.com)
• The fragment completes a three‑piece sculpture believed to be the world’s oldest large‑scale sculpture. (gulfnews.com)
• The other two sections are housed in the Jordan Museum (Amman) and Dar Al Saraya Museum (Irbid). (gulfnews.com)
• The artefact was discovered in 1983 during a joint University of Sydney‑Wooster College excavation. (gulfnews.com)

Sources

• [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Jordan Recovers 14,000-Year-Old Artefact from Australia, World's Oldest Large Sculpture”