Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Ordinary Cairenes Nab Looters at Egyptian Museum

January 31, 2011 by Marion Maneker

Time Magazine has the story of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum which was invaded by looters who ransacked the gift shop. Nine others ventured into the museum itself, according to Zahi Hawass:

Nine of them apparently realized that the real treasures were elsewhere. They entered a room containing artifacts dating back to 500 B.C. The intruders broke into some 13 glass panel display cases as well as one case in the Tutankahmun exhibition. Hawass did not give TIME permission to view the destruction in the museum, which has been shut for the duration of the crisis. But video footage from several Arabic satellite networks, including al-Arabiya, showed shards of glass littering the floor and several artifacts carelessly tossed around, some resting on splinters, others haning out of display cases. “They were looking for gold,” Hawass told TIME, just like the grave robbers of old.

The military, which has taken over security duties throughout Cairo and in many other cities, did not arrive on the scene until 10 p.m. In the meantime, ordinary Cairenes, aware of the security vacuum, flocked to protect the museum.

The Break-In at Cairo’s Prized Museum (Time)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Arnold Lehman Joins Phillips as Senior AdvisorArnold Lehman Joins Phillips as Senior Advisor
  • Sotheby’s Looks for a New CFO, Board Member to Hold Interim PositionSotheby’s Looks for a New CFO, Board Member to Hold Interim Position
  • Valerio Castello’s Holy Family Offered by Sotheby’s Old Masters Private SaleValerio Castello’s Holy Family Offered by Sotheby’s Old Masters Private Sale
  • Chinese Art Sales Rise Seen As Result of Search for Alternative Investments to Financial MarketsChinese Art Sales Rise Seen As Result of Search for Alternative Investments to Financial Markets
  • This is a Sample Post #2This is a Sample Post #2
  • Wright 20th Century = $3.2mWright 20th Century = $3.2m

Filed Under: Museums Tagged With: Cairo

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor