How Egypt intends to stop sale of its relics around the world

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities is trying to stop the sale of Egyptian relics in world auctions and is calling for the need to amend the 1970 UNESCO convention on the illicit trade of cultural property.
An Egyptian archaeologist shows one of the three ancient artefacts recovered from Germany during a news conference at Cairo airport, May 3, 2014. Egypt's antiquities ministry celebrated the return of three stolen ancient artefacts smuggled into Germany in 2009. Egyptian authorities held a ceremony at Cairo International Airport on Saturday to herald the recovery of the items, that were promptly placed on display as a new conference was held. Authorities believe the artefacts were bound for sale in Belgium w
Egyptian archaeologists display one of three ancient artifacts recovered after having been smuggled into Germany to be sold in Europe, at Cairo airport, Egypt, May 3, 2014. - REUTERS/Al Youm Al Saabi Newspaper
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George Mikhail
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Egyptian antiquities continue to be smuggled abroad and put up for international auction. Recently, a set of Egyptian relics was put up for auction in London’s Christie's Auction House, held Dec. 6-15. The gallery posted on its website photos of ancient Egyptian statues of Isis, cats and bulls, as well as ancient Egyptian war tools. This has raised the ire of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, which reached out to the Egyptian Embassy in London to stop the sale at the auction house.

The Egyptian efforts were to no avail, as a bronze statue of the Goddess Isis and her son Horus were sold at the auction for $1,382,290. The statue dates back to 747-656 B.C. and was sold during the first days of the auction.

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