Egypt Antiquities Missing

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Published February 14, 2011

Egyptian officials—who earlier reported that no artifacts were stolen from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo during a looting attempt last month—now say several items are missing from the museum, including some depicting King Tut.

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UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT

Egyptian museum officials, while overseeing restoration of artifacts damaged in a late January looting incident, now say several objects are missing from the museum.

Among items missing: a gilded wood statue of King Tut being carried by a goddess; a gilded wood statue of King Tut harpooning—this item was broken in the January incident- and only the top portion is missing; --- and another missing item is a limestone statue of Akhenaten holding an offering table.

In all, 18 items were reported missing.

Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass had earlier said ‘nothing was stolen’ from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, but in a February 12th statement, confirms the items were missing. He also stated, quote, “I have said if the Egyptian Museum is safe, then Egypt is safe. However, I am now concerned Egypt is not safe.”