The FBI repatriated some 48 illegally trafficked cultural artifacts to the Egyptian government at a ceremony last Friday in Los Angeles. Among the artifacts were carved figures, amulets, and tomb equipment; they date variously to the Pharaonic, Roman, and Coptic periods, thus spanning from 3,100 BCE to the 9th century CE.
“These handed-over artifacts represent an integral part of the history and cultural heritage of Egypt and its people, and we are very glad and honored to bring those home,” Egyptian ambassador Hossam Eldeen Aly said in a press release. “Egypt looks forward to more constructive and solid bilateral cooperation in the cultural field and beyond.”
The tip came from the owner, who contacted investigators after their research led them to question whether the artworks had entered the US legally. No evidence could be found for the items having been removed from Egypt appropriately. While the original trafficker is deceased, an investigation is ongoing, as efforts to identify any co-conspirators continue.
The United States entered into a cultural property agreement with Egypt in 2016. It allows for the imposition of US import restrictions on some categories of archaeological and ethnological material from Egypt, creating a framework for the countries to cooperate on identifying, interdicting, and returning trafficked cultural property, as well as encouraging legal exchange for cultural, educational, and scientific purposes. The US has returned more than 5,000 cultural artifacts to Egypt over the last decade.
“I’m honored to return these items of historic significance to the people of Egypt, where they belong,” said Patrick Grandy, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. “Through the stellar work of the FBI’s Art Crime Team and their diplomatic, academic and law enforcement partners, the FBI plays a key role in preserving cultural heritage, whether items were stolen, looted, or found through other means, and return them to the country of origin, where they can be cared for and treasured by their rightful owners. The FBI urges anyone who suspects they may have looted cultural property to contact their local FBI field office and the FBI’s Art Crime Team.”
Established in 2004 following an increase in cultural property crimes worldwide, the FBI’s Art Crime Team has recovered more than 20,000 items, collectively valued at more than $1 billion. The FBI’s Stolen Art File includes about 5,000 listings of fine art, collectibles, and other cultural valuables, which buyers can review to ensure they do not purchase stolen goods.
