The Story Behind the 3000-Year-Old Missing Bracelet: A Conversation of Heritage, Identity, and Culture
Missing Golden Bracelet The Egyptian Museum
Cairo 360
In September 2025, news broke of a rare artefact disappearing from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. What seemed like the loss of a single bracelet quickly grew into a national conversation about heritage, identity, and the responsibility of protecting Egypt’s cultural treasures.
A Priceless Loss at the Egyptian Museum
History isn’t something that can be bought or sold. Egypt’s ancient treasures are what define our identity and remind us of the legacy passed down from our ancestors. This is why the disappearance of a rare golden bracelet from the reign of King Amenemope of the twenty-first dynasty at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir was both shocking and saddening.
The Missing Golden Bracelet
The bracelet, made of pure gold and inlaid with a spherical lapis lazuli stone, was more than jewellery; it was a royal emblem showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient Egypt. It went missing this September 2025 from the museum’s restoration lab during preparations for the “Treasures of the Pharaohs” exhibition in Rome.
Public Reflection and Renewed Interest
Although the incident was upsetting, it sparked a new wave of discussion about the importance of safeguarding Egypt’s cultural heritage. Many hope this renewed attention will encourage more Egyptians to visit their museums and connect with the history that surrounds them.
The Tanis Hall: A Treasure Trove
Visitors to the Egyptian Museum can still admire similar pieces in the Tanis Hall on the upper floor. This gallery contains remarkable discoveries from San El Hagar in Sharqia, one of the richest royal burial sites ever found, filled with gold and jewellery from the twenty-first dynasty.
The Museum’s Legacy and Accessibility
Since its founding in 1902, the Egyptian Museum has housed over 120,000 artefacts, from colossal statues to delicate ornaments. Exploring its halls allows visitors to encounter history firsthand through treasures that have endured for millennia. Conveniently located in Tahrir Square, the museum is easily reached by metro via Sadat Station, public transportation, or car, with parking available at the nearby Tahrir Garage.