In yet another triumph for cultural restitution, Egypt has successfully recovered seven ancient artifacts from France, further advancing its concerted campaign to retrieve antiquities smuggled out of the country through illicit channels.
The artifacts, dating to various periods of ancient Egyptian history, were handed over to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities today at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration in the New Administrative Capital. French authorities had confiscated the objects in Paris this past January after confirming that they had left Egypt illegally. The items were officially transferred to the Egyptian Embassy in Paris in March, paving the way for their return home.
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, noting that this latest repatriation reflects the strength of Egyptian-French cooperation in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property. He emphasized both nations’ commitment to international conventions—especially the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which underpins such recoveries.
“This handover is another powerful affirmation of the Egyptian state’s ongoing commitment to protecting its unique cultural heritage,†said Fathy. “Each returned object is a piece of our national identity restored. We will continue to work with our international partners to preserve our past for future generations.†He also praised the close coordination between his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, which facilitated the operation.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stressed the historical and cultural significance of the recovered pieces. A comprehensive archaeological and technical report is currently being prepared ahead of their planned inclusion in the collection of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Investigations are also underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for smuggling the items, in collaboration with all relevant agencies.
According to Shaaban Abdel-Gawad, Director General of the Department for the Repatriation of Antiquities and acting head of the Central Department of Archaeological Ports, the recovered objects include a wooden statue of the god Anubis in his classic jackal form; a small votive coffin; two wooden hands from a human figure, likely part of a funerary assemblage; a terracotta figurine depicting a person; and three miniature papyrus scrolls.
This latest recovery marks the third such restitution this month alone. Earlier in May, Egypt reclaimed 25 rare artifacts through its consulate in New York, working in coordination with U.S. authorities. That was followed by the return of another 21 significant antiquities from Australia, facilitated through Egypt’s embassies in Canberra and Sydney.
As the effort to reclaim looted treasures continues, each recovered artifact adds a new dimension to Egypt’s broader goal: not merely to display history, but to reclaim authorship over it.
Now back where they belong, these seven pieces of Egypt’s past are once again part of its future.
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