Egypt Daily News – The recent auction of an Egyptian antique statue at Sotheby’s has sparked controversy due to its low sale price, prompting criticism from historians and cultural experts.
The statue in question is a Cypriot limestone head, believed to represent a priest or monk from around the first half of the fifth century BC. Despite a pre-sale estimate of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds sterling—considered low compared to other ancient Egyptian artifacts—this auction highlights ongoing concerns regarding the handling and sale of Egyptian antiquities in international markets.
Dr. Bassam Al-Shamaa, a historian affiliated with the Egyptian Society for Historical and Geographical Studies, voiced significant concerns about the commercial practices of major auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s.
He criticized the apparent undervaluation of valuable artifacts, noting prior instances where other significant pieces, such as artifacts from the ancient city of Tell el-Amarna, were sold for surprisingly low amounts. He underscored the importance of transparency in the art market, stating the need to know who is selling and buying these antiquities, which are vital components of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Al-Shamaa further mentioned the case of the statue of Sekhemka, sold for 14 million pounds sterling, questioning the lack of information about its purchaser and highlighting that many potential buyers of Egyptian artifacts are not known or publicly identified.
He alluded to the potential involvement of particular groups in acquiring these pieces, calling for a dedicated campaign to reclaim Egyptian antiquities held abroad, including the recently auctioned statue. His remarks reflect a broader concern within Egypt regarding the protection and restitution of its rich archaeological heritage in the face of the global art market.
