King Tutankhamun Statues Missing as Intruders Break Into Egyptian Museum

[Poboy]

King Tutankhamun Statues Missing as Intruders Break Into Egyptian Museum
By Mahmoud Kassem - Feb 13, 2011 2:32 AM CT

The Egyptian Museum reported that 18 artifacts, including statues of King Tutankhamun, are missing after a break-in last month, said Zahi Hawass, the head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

They broke open 14 display cases in the museum’s Late Period and Tutankhamun exhibits, in search of gold. Finding none, they shattered statues, including one of the ancient goddess Isis, and smashed some of the museum’s royal mummies, he said.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-13/egyptian-museum-says-two-king-tut-statues-missing-update1-.html

=====








Sad News
The staff of the database department at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo have given me their report on the inventory of objects at the museum following the break in. Sadly, they have discovered objects are missing from the museum.

The objects missing are as follows:

1. Gilded wood statue of Tutankhamun being carried by a goddess
2. Gilded wood statue of Tutankhamun harpooning. Only the torso and upper limbs of the king are missing
3. Limestone statue of Akhenaten holding an offering table
4. Statue of Nefertiti making offerings
5. Sandstone head of an Amarna princess
6. Stone statuette of a scribe from Amarna
7. Wooden shabti statuettes from Yuya (11 pieces)
8. Heart Scarab of Yuya

An investigation has begun to search for the people who have taken these objects, and the police and army plan to follow up with the criminals already in custody. I have said if the Egyptian Museum is safe, than Egypt is safe. However, I am now concerned Egypt is not safe.
In another terrible turn of events, last night a magazine in Dahshur was broken into; it is called De Morgan’s. This magazine contains large blocks and small artifacts.

http://www.drhawass.com/blog/sad-news

[SoCalDem]

1. Looting happens.

Some of these will be found, safe & sound, and others may end up in locked vaults of rich people.

With all the potential for chaos that existed , they are LUCKY that the place did not burn down

[Xenotime]

8. Exactly. It's the cost do democracy.

[Poboy]

16. I agree. Its actually impressive if that is all that was taken.

[virgogal]

2. Theft is one thing---I get it. The destruction of artifacts out of

frustration I don't get.

Sad.

[gateley]

9. Especially for a people that take such pride in their heritage. Sad is right. nt

[DrDan]

3. I have visited this museum quite a few times - the Tutankhamen exhibit is just incredible

[Control-Z]

11. I saw it when it came to LA.

The moment I heard about it I bought tickets for the family. It was one of those things you just can't pass up. And it was incredible. I could feel those lives that once were, in the artifacts, almost like a memory. Strange.

[DrDan]

14. it would be tragic if these items are truly lost

[nc4bo]

4. Odd that the Minister of Antiquities stated on CNN phone interview that all missing objects

had been returned and all damaged items could be repaired.

Hmm...how strange.

I guess during all the demonstrations, etc. a complete inventory wasn't performed?

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. Also was reported that the "looters" were in fact police thugs.

And at same time the Minister reported "only" 2 mummies had been damaged, that the looters had been driven away from the museum by the actual protesters.

[nc4bo]

6. Something fishy going on. We'll probably never know the details. nt

[gateley]

7. Hawass is the number 3 person in the government, or at least he

was until a few days ago. :7 Don't know where he stands now.

From what I've seen of him I always get the impression that he feels it's all HIS treasure, so he might take it as a personal affront/criticism when stuff does get looted.

[malaise]

12. I'd check with the political class first

They always show up at museums when there is confusion.

[rosesaylavee]

10. Look to the Egyptian Police and their paid thugs first

Weren't they the ones posing as protester/looters last month. And who will they sell it to? I predict most of these articles will be retrieved.

[former9thward]

13. I find it strange there were no security guards at the Museum.

Also that there are no security cameras. I saw an interview with Zahi Hawass and he said one of the looters walked around the Museum for a hour -- why were there no security guards there? I have been to this Museum twice and I know it takes in a lot of money. They could certainly afford security guards and cameras.

[emilyg]

15. Sad.