Netherlands returns looted ancient sculpture to Egypt

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (MNTV) — Dutch authorities have formally returned a 3,500-year-old Egyptian sculpture to Egypt after confirming it was looted and unlawfully exported during regional unrest more than a decade ago.

The stone artefact, a sculpted head believed to have once formed part of a block statue, resurfaced on the international art market and was seized at an art fair in the Dutch city of Maastricht in 2022. 

Following a joint investigation by Dutch police and cultural heritage officials, authorities concluded in 2025 that the piece had been illegally removed from Egypt, most likely during the Arab Spring turmoil in 2011.

Experts say the sculpture originated from Luxor in southern Egypt and depicts a high-ranking official from the era of Pharaoh Thutmose III, who ruled between 1479 and 1425 BC. 

The artefact’s stylistic features and material supported its identification as part of Egypt’s New Kingdom heritage.

The artwork had been held by Sycomore Ancient Art, a dealer that voluntarily surrendered the piece after raising concerns about its provenance during the inquiry. Dutch officials said the handover reflected the country’s policy of restoring cultural property to its rightful owners.

Dutch Culture Minister Gouke Moes said the return underscored the Netherlands’ commitment to cultural justice, stressing that artefacts proven not to belong in Dutch collections should be repatriated without hesitation.

Egyptian Ambassador to the Netherlands Emad Hanna welcomed the decision, noting that Egyptian authorities actively monitor international exhibitions and auctions to recover stolen heritage. 

He said the return of such artefacts carries cultural and economic importance, particularly for tourism, as visitors seek to experience Egypt’s history within its original context.