Egypt recovers 4 archaeological pieces from the United States of America…at the initiative of the family of a citizen in Texas

As part of the ongoing efforts made by the Egyptian state to recover its antiquities abroad, Egypt succeeded in recovering 4 antiquities from the United States of America, in cooperation and coordination between the Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Egyptians abroad, and in light of the distinguished relations between Egypt and the United States.

The recovery process came after an initiative by the family of an American citizen from Texas who kept these pieces among his personal possessions. Following his death, his family expressed their desire to return the artifacts to their original homeland, Egypt, in appreciation of the cultural and historical value they represent.

The international legal expert authorized by the American family has communicated and coordinated with the relevant Egyptian authorities, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, to complete the necessary procedures to return the pieces to Egypt.
The artifacts arrived in Cairo and were received by a specialized committee from the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad. They were transferred to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir to carry out the necessary examination, documentation, and restoration work in preparation for their registration and display.

For his part, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities expressed his appreciation to the American family for this noble initiative, noting that the recovery of these pieces is a positive model of cultural and civilizational cooperation and reflects the growing global awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and returning it to its original homeland.

The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities stated that the Ministry is continuing its tireless efforts to restore Egyptian antiquities that have left Egypt illegally, in coordination with various national and international bodies, in a way that contributes to preserving the Egyptian cultural heritage for future generations.

For his part, the Director General of the General Administration for the Recovery of Antiquities and Supervisor of the Central Administration for Ports and Confiscations explained that one of the most prominent artifacts recovered is the head of a granite statue of the Sphinx wearing the royal “mongoose” headdress decorated with a cobra beard. It dates back to the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom era, and likely represents a portrait of Queen Hatshepsut or King Thutmose III. It is considered one of the most prominent artifacts within the recovered collection due to its great artistic value.

He added that the rest of the artifacts date back to different historical periods of ancient Egyptian civilization, and include a bronze statue of a hippopotamus covered with a distinctive green antique layer dating back to the Twelfth Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom, and a double bronze statue of a king wearing a white crown with the falcon-headed god Horus next to him dating back to the 26th Dynasty of the Late Era, in addition to a bronze statue of the god Sobek in the form of a crocodile with an raised head and a body decorated with delicate decorations that mimic the scales of a crocodile from the Late Era. Also.

Ultimately, the return of these artifacts from America represents a new chapter in the story of Egyptian civilization, and an open invitation to history lovers. Now, you can be one of the first to see these relics during your next visit to Egypt. For a complete and immersive tourism experience, we advise you to embark on a Nile cruise in Egypt, to travel between the temples of the Pharaohs and their ancient treasures while enjoying the beauty of nature and the luxury of accommodation.