Discovery of a Missing Artwork
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has disclosed that a rare archaeological painting, dating back to the Late Dynastic era, has vanished from the renowned Khenti-Ka tomb in Saqqara, near Cairo. The painting was recently identified as missing, although officials believe the theft occurred between 2018 and 2019.
This artwork is considered one of the most significant pieces of ancient Egyptian heritage. It features parts of mural inscriptions related to the calendar and seasons of the year, found within the tomb of Khenti Ka, an important site in Saqqara that dates back to the Old Kingdom era.
Significance of the Saqqara Site
The Saqqara archaeological area, located approximately 30 kilometers south of the Giza pyramids and west of Cairo, is one of Egypt’s most valuable historical sites. It contains tombs of royalty, priests, and princes from various periods, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser and a collection of tombs that document the early development of funerary art in ancient Egypt.
Details of the Theft
Experts have described the theft as bold and unprecedented, as the painting was cut from the wall of the tomb using a saw. The absence of the artwork was only noticed during a detailed inventory of archaeological artifacts in the area.
The ministry explained that authorities have been carefully reviewing all historical records and books related to Saqqara’s holdings, some of which date back to the 1960s. This effort aims to determine the exact time period when the painting disappeared and to match its descriptions and images with the objects officially registered with the ministry.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, confirmed that all necessary legal measures have been taken, and the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution Service for investigation.
He noted that the tomb had been completely closed since its discovery in the 1950s and has not been opened since 2019. An archaeological committee, led by Dr. Amr Al-Tibi, supervisor of Saqqara Antiquities, was formed to conduct a full inventory of the tomb’s contents. Once the committee’s report was received, it was submitted to the Public Prosecution on the same day. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is closely monitoring the investigation in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Recent Incidents of Theft
This incident follows another theft that occurred just weeks earlier. A gold bracelet, dating back to the Third Transition era, was reported missing from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
Administrative investigations revealed that a restoration specialist at the museum took the bracelet and left the site with the intention of selling it later.
The prosecution’s inspection confirmed that the bracelet dates back to around 900 BC, is made of pure gold, and is set with a rare lapis lazuli stone. It was previously displayed in one of the museum’s halls before being transferred to the restoration lab for an upcoming exhibition abroad.
