After President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's Visit to Dublin, Egypt Recovers A Collection of Artifacts from University College Cork, Ireland

As part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its cultural and historical heritage, a collection of Egyptian artifacts was recovered from Ireland following the successful visit of President Sisi to Dublin on December 11, 2024.

 

This achievement marks the culmination of more than a year and a half of efforts to recover these artifacts, which had been in the possession of University College Cork in Ireland. The university demonstrated significant cooperation to facilitate the repatriation process. All final arrangements regarding this matter were concluded during President Sisi’s recent visit to Dublin.

 

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy praised the extensive collaboration between all concerned parties, both domestically and internationally, including the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Egyptian Embassy in Dublin, the Irish Embassy in Cairo, and University College Cork. He extended his gratitude to all for their goodwill and support, describing this step as vital in enhancing the growing cultural and scientific relations between the two countries.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that the recovery of these artifacts was based on a bilateral agreement recently signed between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and University College Cork. He noted that the university had acquired the items between 1920 and 1930. Among the artifacts are a painted wooden sarcophagus containing mummy remains and a collection of limestone canopic jars, which held the deceased’s internal organs.

Dr. Ismail added that the recovered artifacts will be deposited in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square for restoration, with plans to showcase them in a temporary exhibition highlighting recently repatriated artifacts.

Shaaban Abdel Jawad, Director-General of the General Department for Artifact Repatriation and Supervisor of the Central Administration of Archeological Ports, provided further details. He explained that the canopic jars belonged to a priest named “Pa-Wer” from the 22nd Dynasty of the Late Period, who held titles such as “Father of the God” and “Guardian of the Fields of the God.” The wooden sarcophagus, dating back to the Saite Period, belonged to an individual named “Horus,” who bore the title “Lotus Bearer.” The sarcophagus contains mummy remains and several teeth, which research suggests likely belonged to the owner.

Additionally, the recovered items include five pieces of painted cartonnage from the Greco-Roman period, historically used to cover mummies.