Nefertiti is Still in Germany and Hasn’t Been Returned (Video)

The bust of Nefertiti, a 3,400-year-old artifact valued at around 400 million euros, has been in Germany for over a century, displayed at the Neues Museum Berlin. The artifact’s continued presence in Germany raises questions about cultural ownership and historical justice. The circumstances of its removal from Egypt in 1912 reflect the colonial context of the time, when Egypt was under British control and subjected to antiquities laws that favored foreign archaeologists.

German entrepreneur James Simon funded the excavation that led to the bust’s discovery by Ludwig Borchardt. The artifact was taken to Germany under an agreement that divided excavated finds between Egypt and the excavators. Some speculate the bust was intentionally obscured to ensure it left Egypt, though this theory lacks concrete evidence.

Throughout the 20th century, the bust became a significant cultural symbol in Germany, surviving through the Nazi era and World War II. Nazi officials, including Hitler, recognized its value and used it for propaganda, further complicating its provenance. After the war, the artifact was restored to its place in German museums, becoming a part of the national cultural identity and a prominent attraction.

The argument for Nefertiti’s return to Egypt hinges on the artifact’s origins and the conditions under which it was removed. Critics argue that the colonial-era agreements are outdated and that modern ethical standards should guide the repatriation of cultural artifacts. Despite ongoing demands from Egypt for the bust’s return, German authorities maintain that the original division of finds was legal and binding. The debate continues, reflecting broader issues of cultural heritage and restitution.

Top image: Photo of the Nefertiti bust in Neues Museum, Berlin.                 Source: Smalljim/CC BY-SA 3.0

By Robbie Mitchell