Nefertiti bust ownership sparks renewed Egypt-Germany tensions
The bust of Queen Nefertiti, discovered in 1912 by a German archaeological team, has become the subject of an international dispute. Egypt, represented by the prominent archaeologist and former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, has demanded its return from the Neues Museum in Berlin.
The sculpture, along with the Rosetta Stone and the Dendera Zodiac, belongs to a group of artefacts that, in Hawass's opinion, were illegally exported from Egypt.
When artifacts are removed from Egypt illegally and sold this only encourages and emboldens thieves. I am sorry to say that museums that continue to display these artifacts and refuse to return them only continue to participate in imperialism and cannot be believed when they denounce it - Hawass conveyed.
The discovery of the bust in the city of Amarna by the German archaeological team led by Ludwig Borchardt was considered groundbreaking. Hawass, the former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, does not call for the return of exhibits taken legally but focuses on three main and significant objects, including the bust of Nefertiti.
The dispute between Germany and Egypt over the bust of Nefertiti continues
The sculpture considered a masterpiece of ancient art, is claimed by the German side to have been legally acquired under an agreement with Egypt. According to Germany, the agreement enabled excavations to be conducted in exchange for financial support from the German art patron, James Simon.
As a result, Germany received half of the approximately 10,000 discovered artefacts, including the famous bust, which has become one of the main museum attractions in Berlin.
Egypt has repeatedly demanded the return of the bust. This time, Hawass has launched a petition that can be signed on his website, thereby expressing support for the work's return to its country of origin. The initiative is linked to hopes that international dialogue and growing public support will contribute to the artefact's return to Egypt.
The bust of Nefertiti remains one of the most precious and recognisable symbols of ancient Egyptian art, and the dispute over its ownership attracts worldwide interest.
