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3,500-Year-Old Sculpture Returned to Egypt
6 Feb
Summary
- A 3,500-year-old Egyptian sculpture was returned to Egypt by the Netherlands.
- The looted artefact resurfaced at a Dutch art fair in 2022.
- An investigation confirmed the sculpture was plundered likely during 2011 unrest.
A 3,500-year-old stone sculpture, identified as a looted artefact originating from Luxor, Egypt, was officially returned to Egypt by the Netherlands on Thursday, February 6, 2026. Dutch authorities confirmed in 2025 that the sculpture, believed to have been plundered and unlawfully removed from Egypt, likely during the Arab Spring unrest of 2011, had resurfaced on the international art market.
The artefact, thought to be a head from a block statue depicting a senior official from Pharaoh Thutmose III's reign (1479-1425 BC), was confiscated in 2022 at an art fair in Maastricht. The art dealer involved, Sycomore Ancient Art, voluntarily surrendered the piece after an investigation into its provenance was initiated. Dutch Culture Minister Gouke Moes emphasized the policy of returning items that do not belong to the Netherlands to their rightful cultural custodians.
Egypt's Ambassador Emad Hanna stated that his country actively monitors for artefacts appearing in exhibitions or auctions. He highlighted the significant impact such repatriations have on tourism and the national economy, as these cultural treasures attract visitors to Egypt. The specific plans for displaying the sculpture in Egypt have not yet been announced.
