The Israel Antiquities Authority says inspectors have seized two stolen Egyptian sarcophagus covers at a bazaar in Jerusalem’s Old city.
The two plaster-covered wooden lids had been sawed in two, causing irreparable damage. The covers were adorned with decorations and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.
The authority says one dates between the 16th and 14th centuries B.C. and the other to between the 10th and 8th centuries B.C.
In a statement, released Tuesday, the authority says that robbers had likely plundered Egyptian tombs and smuggled the covers to Dubai. From there, the lids made it to Israel through Europe.
It was not known when the items were stolen. According to Startribune.com, The authority says Israel is examining how to return the covers to Egypt.
