In a significant cultural restitution, the United States has returned 25 ancient Egyptian artifacts to Egypt on Monday, May 12, 2025, concluding a three-year diplomatic effort. The items, spanning various periods of Egyptian history, were recovered in New York City following a coordinated operation between Egyptian authorities, the New York District Attorney’s Office, and U.S. security agencies.
The repatriated collection includes gilded coffin lids from the Pharaonic era, gold funerary masks, a portrait of a mummy from the Faiyum region, a gold coin from the reign of Ptolemy I, and jewelry pieces dating back over 2,400 years. Notably, some artifacts are believed to be fragments of Queen Hatshepsut’s ancient temple.
The return of these artifacts is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to combat the illegal trade in cultural properties. In 2021 alone, Egypt successfully repatriated over 5,300 stolen artifacts from around the world . The U.S. has been a key partner in this initiative, with agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) playing pivotal roles. Since 2007, ICE has returned more than 80 items to Egypt, including a Greco-Roman style Egyptian sarcophagus.
The artifacts were formally handed over in a ceremony in Cairo, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the successful recovery and repatriation of these priceless items.
This repatriation not only restores invaluable pieces of Egypt’s history but also sends a strong message about the global commitment to combatting the illicit trade in cultural artifacts. It highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation among nations to protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
