Wawass asked for the return of the bust, saying it was removed from Egypt illegally after its discovery more than a century ago. "We announce today that Egypt, this is the national committee, it is not a government committee, asks for the return of the bust of Nefertiti," Hawass stated, indicating a unified national effort to reclaim these artifacts. His call for action extends beyond just Nefertiti, targeting similarly significant items like the Rosetta Stone, which has transformative historical value.
Hawass emphasized the importance of community support, encouraging individuals to visit his website to sign the petition. "What I need from everyone here is to go to my website...hawasszahi.com, and you will sign, one signature, to show that you would love for this bust to come back," he said. This grassroots approach signifies not only personal attachment but also a collective responsibility to restore Egypt’s cultural heritage.
He clarified the intent of his petition by stating, "I am not calling for the repatriation of artifacts taken out of Egypt legally. My campaign is focused on repatriating three main beautiful objects," which includes the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac. This distinction highlights the nuances of historical artifact repatriation, as it underscores the stresses on preserving legitimate academic exchanges.
Hawass noted that the Rosetta Stone, a catalyst for understanding hieroglyphs, is currently housed in the British Museum, while the Dendera Zodiac, a striking ancient diagram, also resides outside Egypt. Bringing these artifacts back would not just be an act of cultural restoration, but also a reclamation of Egypt’s historical pride and its narrative in global heritage.
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