Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. has led the return of 11 ancient artifacts to Egypt. The items, collectively of significant value, were part of a criminal investigation that also involved the late London-based antiquities trafficker Robin Symes. Bragg’s actions, the result of an extensive legal process, aim to address past injustices connected to the illegal antiquities trade, as reported by the Manhattan DA's Office.
"Eleven more priceless antiquities have now been recovered and returned to where they rightfully belong. None of this work is possible without the dedication and commitment of our team, and I thank them for their work on these investigations," Bragg emphasized in the press release. The repatriation of these cultural artifacts, including a God Bes Vessel and a Mummy Mask of a Youth, was the result of a collaborative effort. Once hidden within the illicit trade market, these items have now been returned to their country of origin.
The God Bes Vessel, a relic from 650–550 BCE, entered a U.S. museum in the early 1990s after being sold by Symes. It was covered in dirt and lime, indicators of recent looting. The Mummy Mask of a Youth, dating from 100–300 CE and reflecting Egypt’s Roman period, appeared on the art market in 1977 without documented provenance. It was seized earlier this year after years in a U.S. museum. Investigations by the Antiquities Trafficking Unit (ATU) under District Attorney Bragg have led to the recovery of more than 2,350 stolen artifacts from 42 countries, with a total value exceeding $250 million.
Ambassador Hoawida Essam, the Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in New York, expressed earnest gratitude towards D.A. Bragg and the ATU for their steadfast collaboration and commitment. These recently concluded efforts extend beyond the shores of Egypt, symbolizing a victory for cultural preservation on an international scale. The journey of these artifacts—from their excavation to illicit sale and eventual repatriation—highlights the serious and complex nature of crimes against cultural heritage.
The team responsible for these recovery efforts deserves recognition for their consistent dedication. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, Chief of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, along with Assistant District Attorneys James Edward-Lebair and Taylor Holland, supported by investigative analysts and agents, led the investigations that enabled these notable restitutions.
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