The American archaeological mission from New York University has completed the restoration of a granite statue head of King Ramses II at his temple in Abydos, Sohag Governorate.
This work reflects ongoing scientific collaboration between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and international archaeological missions.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, highlighted that the restoration supports the ministry’s mission to preserve Egypt’s heritage and present it to visitors in a dignified manner, enhancing the cultural and tourist value of historic sites like Abydos.
Hisham el-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the restoration followed global conservation standards.
The face and head, previously separated from the royal headdress (nemes), were precisely reassembled and mounted on a stone base at the temple’s second pylon, allowing visitors to view the artifact clearly.
Professor Mohamed Abdel-Badi noted the face, discovered in 1994, measures 67 cm, weighs 300 kg, and retains traces of red and yellow paint and part of the royal beard.
The nemes, weighing about one tonne, preserves yellow-painted stripes and remnants of the royal cobra (uraeus).
Dr Sameh Iskandar of New York University confirmed that other statue parts were uncovered in previous excavations, with plans to continue work to reassemble the statue fully.
This project highlights Egypt’s dedication to preserving its archaeological legacy while enriching the visitor experience.
