Egypt is receiving 16 stolen antiquities from the United States following a formal repatriation ceremony between the two countries in New York on 8 September. Among the most notable artifacts are the upper part of a painted coffin, a limestone plaque with hieroglyphic engravings, five illustrative linen fragments that allude to biblical beliefs, a bronze statue of a famed ancient Egyptian musician known as Kemes, and a Roman-era portrait of a lady in Fayoum. “These are priceless pieces of history and culture. They were seized, pursuant into a wide-ranging investigation into illegal traffickers and looters,” announced Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s District Attorney during the live repatriation ceremony. While historically and culturally priceless, the 16 artifacts also hold a monetary value worth an estimated EGP 76 million (USD 4 million), further showcasing the costs of stolen Egyptian artifacts. “It’s safe to say that we can open an entire museum solely based on the artifacts repatriated,” celebrated Howayda Abdel Rahman, Egypt’s Consul General in New York. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities further clarified the repatriation case in a social media press release, offering Egyptians an insight into what artifacts are returning to…
USA Returns 16 “Priceless” Stolen Ancient Artifacts To Egypt
September 10, 2022
