Burial masks and stone reliefs returned to Egypt
Two burial masks and two limestone reliefs apparently stemming from the Late Period of ancient Egypt were discovered by chance in southern Germany in the summer of 2017. An expert opinion confirmed that the reliefs, which feature hieroglyphs, were formerly part of the rock tomb of the vizier Bakenrenef in Saggara and originated from the 26th dynasty (740 to 525 BC). The two burial masks, which represent two heads, are significantly older and date from the time between 1300 and 1500 BC.
Burial mask returned to Egypt.
Source: State Bureau of Criminal Investigation of Baden-Württemberg
The four antiquities are cultural property of national significance and were exported illegally from Egypt.
In agreement with the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, a return procedure was successfully concluded on the basis of the Act on the Protection of Cultural Property.
In March 2021, the four antiquities were handed over at the Egyptian embassy in Berlin by a delegation composed of representatives from the Federal Foreign Office and the competent state criminal police office.
Delegation at the handover ceremony at the Egyptian embassy in Berlin.
Source: State Bureau of Criminal Investigation of Baden-Württemberg