An Egyptian statue aged more than 3,000 years old has arrived back home, over three decades since it was stolen and smuggled out of the country, authorities have said.
The statue depicts a head of the ancient Egyptian King Ramses II, who was one of Egypt's most powerful rulers.
It is "part of a mass statue depicting King Ramses II seated next to a number of Egyptian gods", the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said on Sunday.
The artefact, which dates back more than 3,400 years, was taken from the Ramses II temple in the ancient city of Abydos.
![](https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-496.png)
Egyptian authorities spotted it in 2013, when it went up for sale at a gallery in London. The statue then moved to several countries until it reached Switzerland, where it was reclaimed in collaboration with Swiss authorities.
The antiquities ministry said that Egypt proved that it had rights to the piece and that the artefact left its borders illegally.
It will undergo restoration and maintenance at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
3 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
4 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
4 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
5 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
6 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
7 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
7 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours