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Egypt’s Missing Treasures Shown in National Geographic Photos

Changing Planet 6 Comments David Maxwell Braun

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.

 

Limestone statue of Akhenaten photo by Kenneth Garrett.jpg

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

Amarna-princess-bust-photo-by-Kenneth-Garrett-a.jpg

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.

 

 

Tut_Goddess_2011_02_12.jpg

Tutankhamun being carried by a goddess.

Photo: Griffith Institute, via Office of Dr. Zahi Hawass, Minister of Antiquities Affairs

Tut Harpooning_2011_02_12.jpg

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.

12418031_10153900711084116_8462971761216697621_nDavid 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

 

 

Forty years in U.S., UK, and South African media gives David Braun global perspective and experience across multiple storytelling platforms. His coverage of science, nature, politics, and technology has been published/broadcast by the BBC, CNN, NPR, AP, UPI, National Geographic, TechWeb, De Telegraaf, Travel World, and Argus South African Newspapers. He has published two books and won several journalism awards. He has 120,000 followers on social media. David Braun edits the National Geographic Society blog, hosting a global discussion on issues resonating with the Society's mission and initiatives. He also directs the Society side of the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, awarded to Americans seeking the opportunity to spend nine months abroad, engaging local communities and sharing stories from the field with a global audience. Follow David on Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn
  • Katurah

    That’s a shame. Important artifacts that could possibly never be seen again.

  • Dr. Pankaj Tewary

    It’s a big loss to the culture of Egypt and whole world. May God give some knowledge to thieves and they return the precious artifacts.

  • Teana

    I am sick over the loss of these precious items..They belong to Egypt and the world..I hope with everything i have that everyone of these items is returned…They are priceless artifacts that should be in the Egypt museum so everybody can enjoy them.

  • drod

    It makes me sick to my stomach that artifacts as precious as these have now become “booty” to someone who in all likely hood knows not the historical value of these artifacts.
    Egypt holds some of the most precious antiquities know to mankind. With any luck they will suffer a curse similar to “the curse of King Tut.” Perhaps Egypt should create a vault similar to the one that protects our Constitution for ALL it’s antiquities. My sympathies goes out to all the people’s of Egypt for their unable loss. As an native American Indian I truly understand your loss.

  • Dhika

    The thieves have to know that they stealing word heritage

  • Kimani Michael

    The Egyptians should aggresively protect their heritage by all means for the benefit off all mankind for centuries to come.

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