Ancient sarcophagus covers returned to Egypt

CAIRO – Two ancient Egyptian sarcophagus covers have been delivered to Cairo’s Egyptian Museum after they surfaced at an auction in Israel.

Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Anani says the colorful wooden covers, decorated with hieroglyphics and illustrations, were recovered after they went on sale in 2012 and arrived at the museum Tuesday following co-operation between the two countries and Interpol.

He says the covers will be restored and put on display in the Cairo museum or a new, Grand Museum currently under construction near the Giza Pyramids.

El-Anani says it is still unclear how the rare artifacts made their way to Israel, but that Egypt would continue to repatriate any antiquities that have left the country illegally.

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