The Netherlands has returned a 3,500-year-old Egyptian sculpture to Egypt, after an investigation confirmed the artefact had been looted and unlawfully removed from the country.

The handover took place in The Hague on Thursday, following an investigation by Dutch police and the cultural heritage inspectorate. Authorities concluded last year that the artefact had been smuggled out of Egypt.

The sculpture, a granodiorite head believed to have originated in Luxor, dates back to the reign of Thutmose III and was once part of a larger block statue.

The identity of the official it depicted remains unknown, as the head was separated from the rest of the statue.

Dutch Culture Minister Gouke Moes said the return reflected the Netherlands’ policy on cultural restitution.

“Our policy is to return what does not belong to us and to return it to the rightful cultural group or country,” Moes said during the ceremony.

Egypt’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Emad M. Henna, welcomed the move, calling it a matter of national dignity and pride. He added that the return would also benefit Egypt’s tourism sector, as cultural heritage plays a key role in attracting visitors.

The sculpture resurfaced at a Dutch art fair in 2022. Art dealer Sycomore Ancient Art, which had acquired the piece but raised concerns about its provenance, voluntarily surrendered it after the investigation.

Dutch heritage inspector Diederik Smit said the statue dated back around 3,500 years, highlighting its historical significance.

Egyptian officials said the artefact would be displayed in Egypt, although it is not yet clear where it will be housed.

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