Update February 13, 2011: Photos of missing Tutankhamun statues added.
Two gilded statues of King Tutankhamun and figures of King Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti are among eight important artifacts (18 individual pieces) missing from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, said on his blog today.
The disappearance was discovered when museum staff took inventory after looters broke into the museum last month, Hawass said. (Ancient Treasures Looted, Destroyed in Egypt’s Chaos.)
Hawass added that last night (February 11) looters broke into a storage area in Dashur, a royal necropolis south of Cairo, which contained large blocks and small artifacts.
National Geographic photographer Ken Garrett looked through his archives and found these photos of two of the treasures that are missing from the museum in Cairo.
This limestone statue of Akhenaten bearing an offering tray is one of the 18 objects missing from the Egyptian Museum.
Photograph copyright of Kenneth Garrett
This is believed to be the sandstone head of an Amarna princess said by Zahi Hawass to be missing from the Egyptian Museum.
Photograph copyright of Kenneth Garrett
Two photos of the Tutankhamun artifacts released by Zahi Hawass on February 13 are added below..
News Watch will add photos of the other missing items as they become available.
Tutankhamun being carried by a goddess.
Photo: Griffith Institute, via Office of Dr. Zahi Hawass, Minister of Antiquities Affairs
Tutankhamun harpooning.
Photo: Griffith Institute, via Office of Dr. Zahi Hawass, Minister of Antiquities Affairs
For details of the eight missing objects, read today’s statement by Zahi Hawass.
David Braun is director of outreach with the digital and social media team illuminating the National Geographic Society’s explorer, science, and education programs.
He edits National Geographic Voices, hosting a global discussion on issues resonating with the Society’s mission and major initiatives. Contributors include grantees and Society partners, as well as universities, foundations, interest groups, and individuals dedicated to a sustainable world. More than 50,000 readers have participated in 10,000 conversations.
Braun also directs the Society side of the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship.
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Ancient Egypt
A collection of National Geographic Magazine photos and features about the world’s greatest trove of ancient treasures.
Related News Watch blog posts:
Undiscovered Treasures Are Key Worry of Egyptologist
Looted Treasures Recovered, Egypt’s Antiquities Chief Reports
UN Calls on Egypt to Safeguard its “Cultural Identity”
Young Egyptians Rally to Protect Egypt’s Ancient Heritage
Plundering of Tombs, Museums, Antiquities Widespread, Egyptian Official Reports
Ancient Treasures Looted, Destroyed in Egypt’s Chaos
