Egypt is marking a major milestone in safeguarding its rich heritage, as 36 ancient artefacts, illegally smuggled out of the country years ago, have been repatriated from the United States and returned to their rightful home.
The prized items, now en route to restoration, will soon take pride of place at the iconic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo.
This achievement stems from continual collaboration between Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the public prosecution’s office, and security agencies.
Partnering closely with US counterparts, particularly the New York District Attorney’s office and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Egyptian authorities secured the recovery of these masterpieces, embodying millennia of cultural brilliance.
Highlights of the repatriated collection include a Roman-era mummy mask, a limestone funerary stele from the same period, and an intricately adorned vessel featuring the protective deity Bes.
The haul also features 24 rare manuscripts in Coptic and Syriac scripts, alongside a vibrant painted plaster relief from the 18th Dynasty, seized by US officials after evidence confirmed its illicit removal from Egypt.
Sherif Fathy, minister of tourism and antiquities, hailed the repatriation as proof of Egypt’s unwavering dedication to its legacy and the vital role of global partnerships in curbing antiquities trafficking.
He extended gratitude to all involved Egyptian and American entities, vowing to persist until every stolen artefact is restored to its origins.
