Israel returns ancient sarcophagus covers to Egypt

21 June 2016, 5:24 pm

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Two ancient Egyptian sarcophagus covers have been delivered to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum after they surfaced at an auction in Israel.

Egyptian Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Anani says the colorful wooden covers, decorated with hieroglyphics and illustrations, were recovered after they went on sale in 2012 and arrived at the museum Tuesday following cooperation between the two countries and Interpol.

This undated photo released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry shows a part of sarcophagus cover in Israel. Israel's Antiquities Authority says the colorful sarcophagus covers date back as early as the 16th and 10th centuries BCE. (Israeli Foreign Ministry via AP) — This undated photo released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry shows a part of sarcophagus cover in Israel. Israel’s Antiquities Authority says the colorful sarcophagus covers date back as early as the 16th and 10th centuries BCE. (Israeli Foreign Ministry via AP)

He says the covers will be restored and put on display in the Cairo museum or a new Grand Museum currently under construction near the Giza Pyramids.

El-Anani says it is still unclear how the rare artifacts made their way to Israel, but that Egypt would continue to repatriate any antiquities that have left the country illegally.

— AP