'Priceless' Peruvian artefact recovered in London

The artefact - dated back to 700AD - is a national treasure in Peru.

The Met said a central London solicitor's firm facilitated the return of the headdress on behalf of one their clients, but police would not discuss the client's identity.

It is made from an embossed sheet of gold and considered to be an example of ancient Peruvian Mochica civilisation art dating back to circa 700AD.

Art dealer Michel Van Rijn - whose help led to the recovery of the headdress - said the artifact could worth more than £1 million.

"It is impossible to put a price on a piece of history and world heritage such as this because they never come on the market, but should it do so, it could potentially reach in excess of £1 million."

The director of The Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum in Peru, Dr Walter Alva said: "We are speaking about an archaeological object from the utmost historical and aesthetical importance which is one of the most important ornaments of the ancient Peruvian cultures.

"No ornament of similar quality can be found in any Peruvian museum and it is inconceivable that such an important part of national treasure is out of our country."

It'is believed it was traded on the black market after the archaeological site in the Jequetepeque Valley in north Peru was looted 18 years ago.

Depicting the image of a sea god, the headdress symbolises a mythical octopus with a stylised human head displaying cat-like features and eight tentacles.

Following an intelligence-led investigation, the Met's Art & Antiques Unit worked closely with the Peruvian authorities, Interpol Lima and government ministers.

Detective Constable Michelle Roycroft said: "This is a hugely significant seizure by the Met's Art & Antiques Unit and we are grateful for the extensive knowledge of professionals within the art industry who have worked closely with us to enable us to make such an important recovery."

The piece was due to be returned through diplomatic channels.