Netherlands to Return 3,500-Year-Old Sculpture to Egypt

The Netherlands has committed to returning a stolen 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt, following its discovery at an arts and antiques fair. The stone head, which dates back to the era of the pharaohs, is believed to have been looted during the Arab Spring, specifically between 2011 and 2012. According to the Dutch Information & Heritage Inspectorate, authorities traced the sculpture after it was anonymously reported, confirming its illegal export.

The announcement was made by Dutch outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof during the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this weekend. This museum, which aims to showcase Egypt’s rich archaeological heritage, has been in the works since 1992 but faced delays due to political unrest during the Arab Spring.

The sculpture is believed to represent a high-ranking official from the dynasty of Pharaoh Thutmose III, a significant figure in ancient Egyptian history. The Dutch government emphasized that the piece holds deep cultural relevance for Egypt, stating it is “deeply meaningful to Egypt’s identity.”

In 2022, the sculpture was offered for sale at The European Fine Art Foundation fair in Maastricht. Following the tip-off regarding its provenance, the dealer voluntarily surrendered the item to authorities. The Dutch government plans to hand over the stone head to the Egyptian ambassador in the Netherlands by the end of 2023.

The return of this artifact coincides with the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has cost approximately £910 million and houses around 100,000 artefacts, including the complete collection from the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun and his iconic gold mask. Egyptologists and cultural advocates hope that the museum’s launch will amplify calls for the restitution of other significant antiquities held abroad, such as the Rosetta Stone, currently exhibited at the British Museum in London.

The Dutch government has reaffirmed its commitment to returning cultural heritage to its rightful owners, both at a national and international level. As Egypt celebrates this pivotal moment for its cultural history, the return of the sculpture highlights ongoing efforts to rectify historical wrongs and preserve the integrity of national identities.