In a new step toward protecting its cultural heritage, Egypt has successfully recovered two ancient artifacts from Belgium, concluding diplomatic and legal efforts.
The reclaimed items—an intricately decorated gilded wooden coffin from the Late Period and a wooden beard fragment from a Middle Kingdom statue—were received through coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Public Prosecution, and Belgian authorities. An expert archaeological committee from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir has already taken custody of the pieces and will begin initial examinations and restoration work before they are evaluated for display.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy praised the collaboration that enabled the artifacts’ return, describing it as a model of constructive cooperation between Egypt and Belgium. He added that the ministry is continuing to monitor all cases involving illegally exported antiquities and will pursue all necessary legal and diplomatic channels to restore pieces that belong to Egypt’s ancient legacy.
According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the story of these artifacts dates back to 2016, when Belgian authorities seized four Egyptian pieces displayed in an exhibition without documents proving legal ownership. In 2022, Egypt successfully retrieved two of those items—a wooden standing figure and a small ushabti—after verifying their illicit export.
The latest recovery completes the case. Following years of coordinated diplomatic engagement and legal review, the remaining two artifacts were formally returned this week in what officials describe as another victory in Egypt’s campaign against the illicit antiquities trade.
Shabaan Abdel-Gawad, Director-General of the Department of Repatriated Antiquities, noted that the coffin’s detailed gilded motifs offer a window into the funerary practices and craftsmanship of the Late Period, while the wooden beard fragment represents a symbolic artistic feature characteristic of Middle Kingdom statuary.
Egypt has stepped up its international efforts to reclaim smuggled heritage in recent years, adopting a comprehensive national strategy to confront illicit trafficking and strengthen global cooperation. Officials say the successful return of these objects underscores that commitment—and reinforces Egypt’s broader mission to safeguard its cultural identity for future generations.
