Egyptian authorities have successfully repatriated 25 antiquities looted and smuggled abroad, marking another victory in Egypt’s ongoing battle to preserve its cultural heritage.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty led efforts through the Committee for the Recovery of Smuggled Antiquities, working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The artifacts were recovered through Egypt’s Consulate General in New York, in collaboration with the New York City District Attorney’s Office and U.S. security agencies.

Historical and Artistic Significance of the Recovered Collection

The collection spans multiple eras of ancient Egyptian civilization and includes:

• Stone and wooden coffin lids
• Funerary masks crafted from pottery and gilded wood
• A large alabaster vessel
• A Greco-Roman era portrait from Fayum, reflecting early mastery in realistic painting
• Jewelry made from various metals
• A rare gold coin from the reign of Ptolemy I
• Small bronze and stone statues, depicting aspects of Egyptian religious and artistic traditions

Egypt’s Commitment to Preserving Its Cultural Heritage

Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s dedication to retrieving stolen artifacts, praising the cooperation between Egyptian embassies, the General Prosecutor’s Office, and relevant state agencies in international recovery efforts.

Egypt’s campaign against antiquities trafficking continues, ensuring historic treasures return home where they belong.

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