Netherlands returns 3,500-year-old looted Egyptian sculpture

The Netherlands has returned a 3,500-year-old Egyptian sculpture after it resurfaced at a Dutch art fair in 2022, officials announced on February 5.

An investigation by Dutch police and the cultural heritage inspectorate confirmed in 2025 that the artifact had been plundered and unlawfully removed from Egypt, likely during the Arab Spring unrest of 2011, before appearing on the international art market, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

During the revolution, Egyptian and US officials noted, systematic looting occurred at major archaeological sites, though there were also instances of local residents forming human chains to protect museum collections. Stolen antiquities often surface years later in the United States or Europe.

“It was lucky, in some ways, that this sculpture turned up at TEFAF Maastricht [the European Fine Art Foundation] because it is known for adhering to a strict code of conduct,” said Mr. Marinello, founder and chief executive of Art Recovery International.

The sculpture’s presence at such a high-profile fair, where museums often acquire pieces for their collections, underscores its historical and cultural significance.

Experts believe the stone head, originally part of a block statue, came from Luxor in southern Egypt and depicts a senior official from the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III (1479–1425 BC). The piece was confiscated in 2022 at the Maastricht fair. Art dealer Sycomore Ancient Art, which had acquired the artifact but had doubts about its provenance, voluntarily surrendered it following the inquiry.

“Our policy is to return what doesn't belong to us and to return it always to the rightful cultural group or country,” Dutch Culture Minister Gouke Moes said while handing over the artifact to the Egyptian ambassador.

Egyptian Ambassador Emad Hanna emphasised the importance of tracking stolen artifacts.

“It means a lot to us when it comes to tourism and economy, because at the end of the day, when tourists come to Egypt to see these things, it definitely makes a difference,” he said.

Egypt’s plans for displaying the sculpture have not yet been announced.

By Sabina Mammadli