New Zealand returns ancient artefacts to Egypt

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Thursday received several ancient Egyptian artefacts from New Zealand.

The Whanganui and South Island Museums, where the artefacts were on display, said they had wished for their return to Egypt.

Most of pieces are parts of mummies and human remains, plus a mummified falcon, textile remains and cartonage, a ministry statement said.

The ministry added the pieces will be kept at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir in preparation for restoration work.

The Egyptian Embassy in New Zealand had received the artefacts from representatives of the two museums and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A group of indigenous Maori people staged a traditional handover ceremony for the items.