The Neues Museum in Berlin, Germany is famous for its collection of art, crafts and other historic relics that have graced the history of mankind. But now, the museum is in the news again and this for all the wrong reasons. The re-opening gala function of a part of the museum that was destroyed in the Second World War was soured by the growing rift between the governments of Egypt and Germany. The confrontation is in regards to the museum’s main attraction, a bust statue of Queen Nefertiti, a wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, that is dated 3,300 years old.

The Egyptian authorities have demanded the safe return of this statue that has been said to be an integral part of the Egyptian heritage. The statue of Queen Nefertiti has been in German possession since the year 1913. According to Zahi Hawass (Antiquities Chief, Egypt),

“If she left Egypt illegally, which I am convinced she did, then I will officially demand it back from Germany.”

Since 1913, Egypt has never raised any request for the return of statue. However, now the Egyptian authorities have confirmed that, they have infact begun an investigation, to ascertain the means through which the statue was taken out of the country and the authorities are certain, that artifact smuggling is involved in the process.

In a statement released by the German government, Monika Grütters (Cultural Expert, Christian Democratic Union Party),

“The documentation exists. The arrangements were agreed. The process was legal. There was a complete understanding about what would remain in Egypt and what would be taken to Germany. Maybe there is a bit of jealousy on the part of Egypt over Nefertiti. In any event, I am not so sure Egypt has the best conditions for this statue. And because it is so fragile, I am not sure the statue can even be flown. We have excellent conditions here in Germany.”

The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, an organization tasked with monitoring of German museums has assured that, the Queen Nefertiti statue has been obtained legally and that it will be secure in the hands of the German authorities.

Via New York Times.