The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the return of the head of an ancient statue portraying the legendary Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, which had been smuggled out of Egypt over 30 years ago.
Recovered as part of a collaborative effort between Egyptian and Swiss authorities, the 3,400-year-old artifact was traced to Bern, Switzerland, after being stolen from the king’s temple in Abydos.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khalid, the new Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, hailed the return as a testament to Egypt’s relentless pursuit of its illegally smuggled heritage.
While initially identified when offered for sale at a London auction house in 2013, the statue changed hands multiple times before ending up in Switzerland.
The repatriated head, now undergoing restoration, is slated for display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
This successful repatriation underscores Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and combating the global trade in looted antiquities, enhancing its reputation as a historically rich tourist destination.
Egypt’s ongoing efforts to retrieve looted artifacts and disrupt their sale at international auction houses remain steadfast, reinforcing its dedication to preserving its cultural legacy.
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