Egyptian officials are in a frantic search for an ancient limestone painting stolen from a 2,300 B.C. tomb at Saqqara, which has been identified as a ‘cursed’ site, following a series of high-profile artifact thefts across Egypt. The stolen artwork, part of the tomb of Khentika, a high-ranking figure during the Old Kingdom period, adds to growing concerns about the security of Egypt’s cultural heritage. The incident has prompted renewed discussions about the effectiveness of measures to preserve archaeological sites, particularly in light of the recent theft of a pharaoh’s bracelet from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which was later melted down by thieves.
The limestone relief, depicting the ancient Egyptians’ three seasonal divisions — the flooding season of Akhet, the planting season of Peret, and the harvest season of Shomu — was discovered missing as early as May but was not publicly reported until this week. The tomb, which dates back to the sixth dynasty, was sealed by officials in 2019, making the theft particularly alarming. The tomb’s curse, inscribed on its exterior, had previously warned intruders of divine retribution, a warning now seemingly invoked by the theft itself.
Authorities have attributed the surge in artifact thefts to widespread poverty, with experts suggesting that economic hardship has created an environment where opportunistic crime thrives. Threat management consultant Spencer Coursen noted that while direct violence is less common in Egypt, the country still faces unique risks, including regional instability and terrorism in areas like the Sinai Peninsula. The recent thefts have drawn international attention, as both Egypt and Wales have experienced multiple cases of priceless ancient relics being stolen or destroyed.
The theft of the Saqqara painting further highlights the vulnerability of Egypt’s archaeological sites, even amidst protective measures. While the government has taken steps to secure sites like the Saqqara necropolis, the increasing frequency of thefts suggests that current safeguards may be insufficient. The loss of these artifacts not only threatens Egypt’s historical legacy but also raises broader concerns about the global protection of cultural heritage against both criminal and environmental threats.