As part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its stolen cultural heritage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and Egyptians Abroad announced the successful repatriation of 25 rare and invaluable ancient Egyptian artifacts. These artifacts, which were unlawfully smuggled out of the country, have now returned to Egypt after being seized by U.S. authorities.
The relics, spanning multiple eras of ancient Egyptian civilization, include highly prized objects such as stone and wooden sarcophagus lids, gilded and ceramic funerary masks, as well as a large alabaster vessel. Also among the recovered items is a portrait of a woman from the renowned Fayum Portraits, which showcases the stunningly realistic portraiture of the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Sameh Shoukry, took part in the official handover proceedings, underscoring the importance Egypt places on the repatriation of looted antiquities. “This effort reflects Egypt’s unwavering commitment to recovering its stolen treasures and ensuring they return to their rightful place within the country,” said Shoukry. He also praised the collaborative efforts of Egyptian embassies and consulates worldwide, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Egyptian Public Prosecutor’s office, and various security agencies.
The recovered collection also includes a rare gold coin from the reign of Ptolemy I, as well as several small bronzes and statues depicting religious and artistic themes from various periods of ancient Egyptian history.
The artifacts were recovered thanks to a long-standing diplomatic and legal collaboration between Egypt’s Consulate General in New York, the New York District Attorney’s Office, U.S. law enforcement, and private negotiations with collectors of some of the antiquities. The Cultural Affairs section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a key role in facilitating the process.
This repatriation is the latest in a series of successful efforts by Egypt to reclaim its national treasures from abroad. The operation was made possible through close coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Public Prosecutor’s office, and other relevant Egyptian authorities. Furthermore, Egypt’s diplomatic missions abroad remain steadfast in their efforts to recover additional looted treasures.
