Egyptian scholar urges Germany to return Nefertiti bust

Hawass Leads Petition for the Return of Egyptian Artifacts from Europe

Renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, has launched a global petition demanding the repatriation of three of Egypt’s most significant historical artifacts from Europe. The petition calls for the return of the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti, currently housed in Berlin’s Neues Museum, as well as the Rosetta Stone in London’s British Museum, and the Dendera Zodiac, which resides in the Louvre in Paris.

Hawass, a long-time advocate for the return of Egyptian treasures, has made it clear that these artifacts hold unparalleled significance to Egypt’s rich history. In a statement on his website, he emphasised that the petition targets items that were “illegally” removed from Egypt, and he is determined to see them returned to their rightful home. This move marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate over the ownership of cultural heritage and the role museums play in preserving, or perhaps exploiting, historical artifacts from other nations.

The Fight for Egypt’s Heritage

At the heart of Hawass’ campaign is the bust of Queen Nefertiti. Discovered in 1912 during a German-led excavation at Tell el-Amarna, the ancient city once ruled by Nefertiti’s husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, the bust is one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egyptian art. Nefertiti’s image, immortalised in painted limestone, has captivated the world, yet for over a century, it has remained far from the land of its origin.

According to Hawass, the Germans who discovered the bust concealed its true value to smuggle it out of Egypt in 1913, despite existing laws prohibiting the removal of exceptional archaeological finds. The German authorities argue that the removal was legal, as the French, who managed Egypt’s Antiquities Service at the time, allowed it. However, for Hawass, the bust’s removal was nothing short of theft, and he is determined to undo this historical wrong.

In his petition, Hawass not only calls for Nefertiti’s return but also demands the repatriation of two other priceless Egyptian treasures: the Rosetta Stone and the Dendera Zodiac. These artifacts, he argues, are crucial pieces of Egypt’s cultural legacy, and their absence from the country is a painful reminder of the imperialist practices that once dominated archaeological discovery.

 A Growing Global Movement

Hawass’ call for the return of these artifacts comes amid a broader global conversation about the ownership of cultural treasures that were removed from their countries of origin during times of colonial rule. More than 200,000 people have already signed the petition, showing widespread support for Egypt’s demands. However, Hawass aims to collect one million signatures before he officially submits the request for the return of these iconic pieces. The response from the museums in Berlin, London, and Paris remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting for institutions to reconsider their stance on holding such objects.

This isn’t the first time museums and institutions in Europe have faced calls to return items obtained under questionable circumstances. In recent years, countries across Africa and Asia have intensified their efforts to reclaim artifacts taken during periods of colonial domination. Hawass’ petition is a powerful reminder that Egypt, too, is demanding its place in this global movement for restitution.

The Rosetta Stone, currently displayed in the British Museum, holds special significance as the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The artifact was discovered by French soldiers in 1799 and later claimed by the British after their victory over Napoleon. Its importance to Egypt is immeasurable, and Hawass has long argued that its removal was another act of imperialism.

Similarly, the Dendera Zodiac, which was discovered in the Temple of Dendera, has been housed in the Louvre since the 19th century. This artifact, depicting a celestial map, is another example of Egypt’s profound connection to the stars and the divine. For Egyptologists like Hawass, these items are not just objects of study but symbols of Egypt’s ancient identity and achievements.

The Path to Repatriation

Hawass’ petition is just the latest in a string of efforts by Egypt to reclaim its stolen heritage. In recent years, Egypt has successfully negotiated the return of several significant artifacts from various countries, including the United States and Italy. However, the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac represent some of the highest-profile items Egypt continues to seek.

This global push for repatriation isn’t limited to Egypt. Institutions around the world are facing growing demands to return cultural treasures to their countries of origin. In June, for example, the University of Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA Cambridge) temporarily returned 39 artifacts to Uganda. These items were looted during British colonial rule and were returned to Uganda on a long-term loan. Although the artifacts technically remain the property of the British Museum, their return to Uganda marks a shift in how cultural institutions are beginning to address the legacies of colonialism.

The growing number of repatriation efforts worldwide indicates that attitudes toward the ownership of cultural treasures are changing. What was once seen as the rightful spoils of discovery is now being reconsidered as a form of exploitation. Museums that house these artifacts are facing increased scrutiny, and many are being urged to return the objects that hold deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to the nations from which they were taken.

 The Road Ahead

Hawass remains steadfast in his belief that Egypt deserves to see these artifacts returned. While his petition is gaining momentum, the road ahead is long and filled with diplomatic, legal, and ethical challenges. The institutions that hold these treasures, including the Neues Museum, the British Museum, and the Louvre, have so far resisted calls to repatriate the items, citing legal ownership or concerns about preservation.

However, as public pressure grows and more countries demand the return of their cultural heritage, the conversation around repatriation is evolving. For Hawass and countless Egyptians, the return of the Nefertiti bust, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac would be a victory not just for Egypt but for the global movement to correct the wrongs of the past.

Hawass’ petition serves as a rallying cry for all those who believe that cultural treasures should be returned to the countries where they hold the most meaning. As the world watches, the question remains: will these ancient symbols of Egypt’s rich history finally make their way back home?

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