Search Underway for Missing Ancient Egyptian Gold Bracelet
An ancient gold bracelet belonging to King Amenemope has gone missing from a Cairo museum, prompting a nationwide search and preventive measures against smuggling.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- An ancient gold bracelet from the 21st Dynasty, belonging to King Amenemope, has gone missing from a Cairo museum's restoration lab.
- Egyptian authorities have circulated images of the missing bracelet to airports, seaports, and border crossings to prevent smuggling.
- Specialist committees are reviewing and inventorying artifacts in restoration labs to prevent further losses of valuable items.
- The ministry delayed the announcement of the bracelet's disappearance to ensure a thorough investigation without compromising its integrity.
- Earlier this year, the U.S. returned 25 stolen artifacts to Egypt, highlighting ongoing issues with art and antiquities theft in the country.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the disappearance of the ancient Egyptian gold bracelet with a neutral, factual approach. They focus on reporting the event, the official response from the antiquities ministry, and relevant contextual details without employing loaded language or biased emphasis. The coverage prioritizes clear communication of facts and actions taken.
"The bracelet's disappearance also comes just weeks before the scheduled Nov. 1 inauguration of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum."
CBS News"Authorities across Egypt are searching for a 3,000-year-old bracelet reported missing from a leading museum in Cairo."
BBC News"A nationwide hunt is underway after a priceless gold bracelet belonging to an ancient pharaoh disappeared from a museum in Cairo, Egyptian authorities have said."
NBC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
The missing artifact is a solid gold bracelet adorned with a spherical bead of deep blue lapis lazuli, dating back to Egypt's 21st Dynasty during the Third Intermediate Period. It is a rare royal symbol representing King Amenemope's reign, highlighting the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of that era.
Upon confirming the bracelet's disappearance from the restoration lab, authorities involved police and Public Prosecution. They confiscated the phones of lab staff, questioned workers, and issued nationwide alerts with the bracelet’s image at airports, seaports, and borders to prevent smuggling and aid recovery.
Specialist committees are reviewing and inventorying artifacts in restoration laboratories across museums to ensure security and prevent future losses. This includes enhanced legal measures, staff scrutiny, and coordination with law enforcement and border security agencies.
Egypt faces ongoing issues with art and antiquities theft. Earlier in the year, the U.S. repatriated 25 stolen Egyptian artifacts, underscoring persistent smuggling networks and the need for stringent protective measures in safeguarding cultural heritage.
The bracelet was being prepared for the “Treasures of the Pharaohs” exhibition scheduled to open in Rome on October 24 and run until May 3 next year. The exhibition will showcase 130 rare artifacts highlighting the richness of ancient Egyptian civilization, making the bracelet a key piece in representing Egypt’s royal heritage.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.