The Curse
“It was the first thing out of my mouth when security took me aside at the airport without clearing customs. I didn’t get an answer.
Moments earlier, as I stood waiting in a slow line, I overheard someone mention that inspections were tighter because the U. S. president would be making a special friendship trip to Egypt to return an ancient artifact taken from Abu Simbel back in the 1960s and displayed until recently at the Smithsonian.
The object, a stone falcon, had been given to an archaeologist working as one of the advisors on the incredible feat of moving the colossal statues of Ramses from the rising waters that were created by the construction of the Aswân Dam. He in turn donated the bird of prey to the U. S. national museum.
I’d seen the piece at the Smithsonian and understood that it had been gifted by Egypt out of gratitude for aid in preserving the Aswân lake site, but I guess the political winds said that it was time to give it back.
I found it interesting that even my gov...ernment was getting into the act when it came to appeasing the agitation of countries whose national historical treasures had been looted during colonial years.MoreLess
Moments earlier, as I stood waiting in a slow line, I overheard someone mention that inspections were tighter because the U. S. president would be making a special friendship trip to Egypt to return an ancient artifact taken from Abu Simbel back in the 1960s and displayed until recently at the Smithsonian.
The object, a stone falcon, had been given to an archaeologist working as one of the advisors on the incredible feat of moving the colossal statues of Ramses from the rising waters that were created by the construction of the Aswân Dam. He in turn donated the bird of prey to the U. S. national museum.
I’d seen the piece at the Smithsonian and understood that it had been gifted by Egypt out of gratitude for aid in preserving the Aswân lake site, but I guess the political winds said that it was time to give it back.
I found it interesting that even my gov...ernment was getting into the act when it came to appeasing the agitation of countries whose national historical treasures had been looted during colonial years.MoreLess
Write Review:
Guest
Read Also
9 / 10
8 / 10
7 / 10
10 / 10
User Reviews: