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Egypt Foils Attempt to Smuggle 19th Century Artifacts | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Some of the artifacts seized by the Egyptian authorities. Asharq Al-Awsat


Cairo- Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry has said that it foiled along with the Hurghada Ports Authority an attempt to smuggle six 19th century artifacts through Hurghada.

The head of the Central Administration of Seized Antiquities Unit at the Antiquities Ministry, Ahmed al-Rawy, said the artifacts were in the possession of an Arab citizen.

They included a cane with a handle carved in stone bearing the shape of a man with a long beard wearing a yarmulke (Jewish cap), as well as five stone reliefs engraved with Hebrew text and other decorative elements.

A book of 29 papers written in Hebrew was also among the seized collection, with indications they could be the commandments of Judas, al-Rawy said.

He added that the artifacts were seized after confirming their authenticity in line with the law on artifacts protection.