Ancient Pharaoh Bust Returned Home to Egypt

Quick Smiles:

• The Netherlands returns a 3,500-year-old pharaoh bust to Egypt as a goodwill gesture.
• The artifact was identified at an art fair and given up voluntarily by the seller.
• The return aligns with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest for a single civilization.

A 3,500-year-old bust of Pharaoh Thutmose III is headed back to Egypt after being discovered among antiquity dealers in the Netherlands. It’s believed the artifact was taken during the 2011-12 Arab Spring, a time of great unrest and change in Egypt.

The return of this historic treasure coincides with the launch of the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum, which will house approximately 100,000 artifacts and celebrates Egypt’s ancient legacy.

This striking granodiorite bust, measuring 7.5 inches, was located after an anonymous tip during an art fair in Maastricht. Once its history was confirmed, the seller willingly handed it over.

The Netherlands’ heritage authorities confirmed the repatriation will be completed before year’s end. This move not only strengthens international cooperation but also highlights Egypt’s determination to safeguard its heritage.

“We’ve all dreamed of this project and whether it would really come true,” said Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at the museum’s opening.

Celebrate this heartening example of cultural respect and collaboration!

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