Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 3rd–4th century BC Egyptian sarcophagus of Pa-di-Hor-pa-khered was returned to Egypt from Brussels’ Royal Museums. Prosecutor Julien Moinil called it a moral duty after 10 years.
As VRT News reported, in Brussels‘ Cinquantenaire Park, a wooden sarcophagus from ancient Egypt was given back to Egypt after 10 years. The handover of the Egyptian sarcophagus was done with respect.
It occurred in a cloister at the Royal Museums, a quiet space featuring medieval tombstones. These old European markers provided a stark contrast to the colourful Egyptian coffin, highlighting 2 distinct burial traditions.
Who was Pa-di-Hor-pa-khered, returned by Brussels after 3000 years?
Julien Moinil, the Brussels prosecutor, called the return a moral duty. He said,
“After 10 years of work, it’s fair to give back a heritage piece that was taken.”
The process involved research and legal fights. After the ceremony, the sarcophagus was carefully packed. It was sent back to Egypt in a diplomatic suitcase, a special way to transport important cultural items. This secure move protected the artefacts.
The Egyptian sarcophagus of Pa-di-Hor-pa-khered is a Ptolemaic period sarcophagus, dated about the 3rd or 4th century BC. This sarcophagus looks the same as the person who lies in it. The face is gold and the hair is blue. The sarcophagus has colourful glass that looks like jewels so the dead person could see and be safe in the afterlife.
According to officials, the sarcophagus’s detailed work and materials show the person was rich. The wood is finely carved, painted, and has gold. The glass looks like jewels and is thought to protect. Made during the Ptolemaic period when Greece ruled Egypt. They mentioned that it returns highlights efforts to fix the past removal of cultural treasures.
“The deciphering of the hieroglyphs on the sarcophagus has revealed who was inside,”
The prosecutor’s office spokesperson continued.
“It concerns a man named Pa-di-Hor-pa-khered, which means ‘He who was given by Harpocrates.”
