Egypt Recovers 13 Smuggled Artefacts From UK & Germany

Thirteen ancient Egyptian artefacts have been recovered from the United Kingdom and Germany, according to a statement by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). The items, spanning various eras of Egypt’s history, were officially received on Saturday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the return reflects Egypt’s commitment to protecting its heritage, praising the “fruitful cooperation” between Egyptian ministries and thanking the British and German governments for their role in the process.

According to SCA secretary-general Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the UK recovery followed a London police operation that seized items illegally exported by an international smuggling network.

The collection includes a New Kingdom limestone funerary stela, a red baboon-shaped amulet, an 18th Dynasty faience vessel, a bronze crown fragment from a statue of Osiris, a beaded funerary mask, and several faience and black stone amulets. From Germany came a mummy’s skull and hand, along with an ankh-shaped amulet.

All pieces have been transferred to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir for conservation ahead of a special exhibition showcasing recently recovered treasures.