The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses one of the most extensive collections of Cypriot antiquities outside of Cyprus. The collection largely came from the efforts of Luigi Palma di Cesnola, an Italian-American soldier, diplomat, and amateur archaeologist who served as the United States consul to Cyprus from 1865 to 1877. During his time on the island, Cesnola conducted numerous excavations and amassed a significant collection of ancient artifacts.

Cesnola's collection, which he sold to the Metropolitan Museum in 1872, consists of more than 6,000 objects spanning from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman period. The artifacts include sculptures, pottery, bronze objects, gold jewelry, and glass vessels. Some of the most notable pieces in the collection are the limestone sculptures from the Golgoi sanctuary site, which date back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. These sculptures depict various deities, mythological creatures, and human figures, providing valuable insights into the religious practices and artistic traditions of ancient Cyprus.

However, Cesnola's methods and practices have been the subject of controversy. He was accused of using destructive excavation techniques, failing to properly document the context of his finds, and even falsifying information about the artifacts' origins. Some of the sculptures in the collection were also suspected of being heavily restored or even fabricated. Despite these issues, the Cesnola Collection remains a significant resource for the study of Cypriot archaeology and art history.

In recent years, the Metropolitan Museum has taken steps to research and reevaluate the Cesnola Collection. Collaborative projects with Cypriot institutions and scholars have aimed to shed new light on the artifacts' origins, context, and authenticity. The museum has also made efforts to display the collection in a more accurate and culturally sensitive manner, acknowledging the complex history behind its acquisition.

The Metropolitan Museum's Cypriot antiquities collection, while not without controversy, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of ancient Cyprus. It serves as a testament to the island's strategic importance in the Mediterranean world and its role as a crossroads of civilizations throughout history.