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Netherlands to Return Ancient Sculpture to Egypt

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Netherlands will return a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt, believed to have been stolen during the Arab Spring in 2011 or 2012.
The stone head, linked to Pharaoh Thutmose III, was found at an arts fair in Maastricht in 2022.
Dutch authorities confirmed its illegal export after receiving an anonymous tip.
Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced the return during the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening in Giza.
The Dutch government plans to hand over the sculpture to the Egyptian ambassador by the end of the year.

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Story summary

The Netherlands will return a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt, believed to have been stolen during the Arab Spring in 2011 or 2012.
The stone head, linked to Pharaoh Thutmose III, was found at an arts fair in Maastricht in 2022.
Dutch authorities confirmed its illegal export after receiving an anonymous tip.
Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced the return during the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening in Giza.
The Dutch government plans to hand over the sculpture to the Egyptian ambassador by the end of the year.