Catégorie archéologique: Méditerranée

Sous-catégorie : Archaeological Legislation, Legal Proceedings and Criminal Activities

In her living, Egyptian Sun Queen Nefertiti would never have been described as worthless. However new data out of Germany proves that this is exactly how Ludwig Borchardt was able to smuggle a priceless bust of the Queen out of Egypt in 1913. The archaeologist described the find as a worthless piece of gypsum. Today, this same “worthless” slab of rock is regarded as a priceless Pharaonic era artifact attracting over half a million visitors to Berlin’s Egyptian Museum. Documents discovered in the German Oriental Institute, dating back to a time when Germany and Egypt had agreed to divide archaeological spoils equally, prove that Borchardt intentionally falsified his findings in order to guarantee German possession of the magnificent piece. The regally painted limestone bust was carefully wrapped in a box which was then stored in a poorly-lit storage room and kept hidden from Egyptian officials. Even the photograph presented by Borchardt presented an unflattering view of the Queen. Personal notes from the archaeologist prove that he knew of the items worth “it is indescribable” “you have to see it with your own eyes”. Egypt has been made aware of the documents.