New Zealand returns ancient artefacts to Egypt

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has received on Thursday ancient Egyptian artefacts from New Zealand, according to its statement.

The Whanganui and South Island Museums that were housing the artefacts said that they wanted the artefacts to return to Egypt.

Most of the pieces are parts of mummies and human remains, plus a mummified falcon, textile remains and carton age, the statement added.

The ministry further noted that the pieces will be kept at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir in preparation for restoration work.

Representatives from the two museums and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs had delivered the artefacts to the Egyptian Embassy in New Zealand.

A group of indigenous Maori people staged a traditional handover ceremony for the items.