Chainsaws in Tombs: Egypt’s Cultural Disconnect Fuels Antiquities Theft

In a staggering act of cultural vandalism, a 4,000-year-old limestone relief has been hacked out of a tomb in Egypt’s Saqqara Necropolis—using an electric chainsaw. The theft, which follows the recent destruction of a pharaonic golden bracelet, underscores a disturbing pattern: those entrusted with protecting Egypt’s ancient treasures are often the very ones facilitating their loss.

The stolen relief, depicting the three ancient Egyptian seasons—Akhet, Peret, and Shemu—was carved into the wall of a Fifth Dynasty tomb dating back to 2500–2350 B.C.

What makes this crime even more absurd is that the tomb was being used as a “sealed storage unit” for antiquities since the 1950s. Yes, tombs in the desert—sacred burial sites—are being used as glorified closets.

It’s not just shocking; it’s disheartening, infuriating, and frankly, stupid.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Just weeks ago, a restoration worker at the Egyptian Museum stole a 3,000-year-old golden bracelet, sold it for a pittance, and had it melted down.

These crimes reflect a deeper issue: many Egyptians today feel little cultural connection to their ancient heritage. Without that sense of reverence, temples, tombs, and artifacts become commodities rather than legacies.

Experts believe the thief who stole the relief understood its symbolic significance—a calendar representing life, agriculture, and fertility in ancient belief systems. But that knowledge didn’t stop them from desecrating a sacred site. Instead, it likely helped them profit.

Until there’s a cultural reckoning and genuine respect for the past, even the best “sealed” tombs won’t be safe—from chainsaws or indifference. 

As Egypt prepares to relocate over 5,000 priceless artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, one pressing question looms large: What concrete measures is the government taking to prevent theft, loss, or damage during this massive transfer? 

Given the recent string of shocking antiquities crimes—including a chainsaw-wielding thief carving a relief from a sealed tomb and a restoration worker melting down a pharaonic bracelet—it’s hard to feel confident that these treasures will be safe.

With so much at stake, transparency and accountability are urgently needed.

How will Egypt ensure that the legacy of its most iconic pharaoh isn’t compromised by negligence or corruption?

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