Egypt has successfully reclaimed a collection of ancient artifacts, including a mummy, pottery, and other items, from Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
The recovery follows the visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Ireland and is part of ongoing efforts to return stolen or illicitly exported artifacts to their country of origin.
In a statement released on December 13, 2024, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the recovery efforts had been underway for over a year and a half.
The artifacts were found at University College Cork, where they had been held for decades.
The collection includes a painted wooden coffin containing the remains of a mummy, along with several canopic jars, which were used in ancient Egyptian burial practices to store the organs of the deceased.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the artifacts were originally acquired by the university between the 1920s and 1930s.
He highlighted the importance of these items, noting that they represent a crucial period in Egypt’s ancient history and are vital pieces of the nation’s cultural heritage.
The items will be displayed in Egypt’s museums upon their return.
Shaaban Abdel Jawad, Director of the General Administration for the Recovery of Antiquities, revealed further details about the recovered items.
Among the artifacts are canopic jars belonging to a priest named Ba War, dating back to the 22nd Dynasty, and a coffin from the Saite period belonging to an individual named Hoor, whose title was “Lotus Bearer.”
These items are the latest in a series of successful recoveries by Egypt, which has retrieved over 30,000 artifacts between 2014 and August 2024.
In January 2023, Egypt also recovered 17 important artifacts from the United States, including the famous “Green Coffin.”
Dr. Hussein Abdel Basir, an Egyptian archaeologist, expressed that the recovery of these items is invaluable for advancing Egypt’s archaeological research.
“These objects offer new insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices and cultural customs,” he said.
“They are essential for enriching our understanding of Egyptian history and identity.”
The Egyptian government has made recovering stolen artifacts a priority, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs playing a key role in negotiating with foreign countries and facilitating the return of Egypt’s cultural treasures.
This successful recovery is a testament to the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Egypt and Ireland, reflecting Egypt’s broader strategy to reclaim artifacts from around the world.
Egypt’s efforts are supported by bilateral agreements with countries such as Switzerland, Italy, and Peru, aimed at combating the smuggling and trafficking of stolen antiquities.
As part of these efforts, Egypt has developed strong partnerships with international law enforcement and cultural organizations to track and recover its stolen heritage.
The return of these artifacts coincides with President El-Sisi’s ongoing efforts to bolster Egypt’s cultural and historical standing on the global stage, underlining the nation’s commitment to preserving its ancient legacy for future generations.
