The
objects, from the Islamic and Pharaonic eras, are currently being examined at
the Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Written By/ Nevine El-Aref.
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Part of the recovered collection
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Egypt's
Ministry of Antiquities has received a collection of 400 stolen and illegally
smuggled artifacts returned to Egypt by the government of Sharjah.
The
collection of Egyptian artifacts was seized by the Sharjah police in the United
Arab Emirates and sent back to Cairo upon the order of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin
Mohammad Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
According
to a ministry statement, Egypt's Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany
"appreciates the initiative launched by his highness Sheikh Al-Qasimi and
the UAE authorities, which highlights his support for culture and preserving
Egyptian heritage, a matter that reflects the strong and good relationship
between the two countries."
El-Enany
added that, once the artifacts have been unpacked and documented, they will be
put on display in a special exhibition at the ministry.
Shaaban
Abdel Gawad, director-general of the ministry's Antiquities Repatriation
Department, told Ahram Online that the objects are very valuable, most of them dating
back to the Pharaonic period and some belonging to the Islamic era.
He
said they include the following: a collection of painted false doors carved in
stone; copper statuettes of ancient Egyptian deities such as Isis and Osiris; a
collection of amulets made of faience; and udjat eyes made of copper and
decorated with blue glass.
Fragments
of diorite statues in the shape of sphinxes are also among the collection. The
artifacts are currently being examined and documented at the Egyptian museum,
said Abdel Gawad.
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