The Netherlands has agreed to return a 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian sculpture to Cairo as part of an ongoing cultural restitution effort between the two nations, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Thursday.
The limestone artifact, believed to date back to the 18th Dynasty, depicts a prominent nobleman and was reportedly taken from the ancient city of Saqqara before resurfacing in a Dutch private collection. The decision to return it follows months of negotiations led by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Dutch authorities.
According to Reuters and The National News, the piece will be repatriated in the coming weeks and is expected to be placed on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. Egyptian officials hailed the move as a significant step in restoring the country’s cultural heritage and deepening bilateral ties.
Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the return as “a proud moment in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its history,” adding that the cooperation “reflects growing international recognition of the importance of heritage repatriation.”
