Egypt demands return of Nefertiti’s bust from Germany

Prominent Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has initiated a petition for the return of Queen Nefertiti's bust from the Neues Museum in Berlin. The bust, made of painted limestone, was discovered in 1912 at Tell el-Amarna, the ancient capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaten, Nefertiti's husband. Following its discovery, the bust was shipped to Germany in 1913, where it has remained ever since. Hawass argues that the bust was taken illegally, emphasizing that his campaign is not aimed at repatriating artifacts that were removed from Egypt through legal means. He is focusing on three significant items, including the Rosetta Stone and the Dendera Zodiac, in addition to Nefertiti's bust. This initiative reflects a broader movement in Egypt to reclaim cultural heritage that has been taken abroad. The petition was launched on a Saturday, signaling a renewed effort by Egyptian authorities to address historical grievances regarding the removal of artifacts. Hawass stated that the request comes from a national committee rather than a government body, highlighting the collective desire of the Egyptian people to recover their heritage. The response from officials at the Neues Museum has yet to be made public, leaving the outcome of this petition uncertain. The campaign underscores ongoing discussions about the ownership of cultural artifacts and the responsibilities of museums worldwide in addressing historical injustices.