The Netherlands has announced its intention to return a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt, confirming its commitment to cultural heritage repatriation.
According to the Dutch Information & Heritage Inspectorate, the stone head, believed to originate from the era of the pharaohs, was “highly likely” looted during the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 or 2012.
The artifact resurfaced a decade later at an arts and antiques fair in Maastricht. Following an anonymous tip, Dutch authorities determined the sculpture had been stolen and illegally exported.
Dutch outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof pledged to return the artifact while attending the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this weekend.
The Dutch government emphasized that the sculpture, depicting a high-ranking official from the dynasty of Pharaoh Thutmose III, holds “deeply meaningful” significance for Egypt’s national identity.
The sculpture was offered for sale at The European Fine Art Foundation fair in 2022. The dealer voluntarily surrendered the piece after authorities received information regarding its illicit origins.
The government anticipates formally handing over the stone head to the Egyptian ambassador to the Netherlands before the end of the year.
“The Netherlands is committed both nationally and internationally to ensuring the return of heritage to its original owners,” officials stated.
This announcement coincides with Egypt’s celebration of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a vast complex dedicated to showcasing its rich archaeological heritage.
The museum’s construction, initially proposed in 1992, faced delays due to the Arab Spring uprisings.
The $1.2 billion facility houses an extensive collection of 100,000 artifacts, including the complete contents of Tutankhamun’s intact tomb and his iconic gold mask.
Leading Egyptologists hope the museum’s inauguration will bolster calls for the repatriation of significant antiquities currently held in museums abroad.
These include the Rosetta Stone, a crucial artifact for deciphering hieroglyphics, currently displayed at the British Museum in London.
Liz Slaven uncovers Walter Hambock’s past, revealing his service to Adolf Hitler before teaching in Scotland.
Residents of Hull’s historic Land of Green Ginger share their experiences of life in this unique locale.
The launch of the ambitious Grand Egyptian Museum renews calls for the return of antiquities from overseas museums.
Generations aspired to reach the Earth’s northernmost point, achieving success in 1926. As the centennial approaches, we honor those who bravely preceded them – and fell short.
Nine-year-old Leo, from Whickham, receives the prestigious Young Battlements Tour Guide of the Year award.