Egyptian Museum completes restoration of Ramesses II basalt tablet

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir has completed the restoration and maintenance of a black basalt tablet belonging to King Ramesses II. The artifact, dating back to the New Kingdom era, measures 240 cm in length and 110 cm in width.

Dr. Ali Abdel Halim, Director General of the Egyptian Museum, and Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, clarified that the restoration followed approved scientific protocols and technical standards. The project was part of a broader initiative to develop the museum’s display scenarios and rearrange collections within their proper historical and cultural contexts.

Officials addressed social media rumors claiming that cement was used during the restoration process, describing such claims as “completely untrue.” They explained that circulated images showing cement were actually taken during the intermediate stages of the work and do not reflect the final, completed state of the artifact. The restoration involved removing old materials and wooden supports, treating the joints between the two original pieces of the tablet, and implementing new panoramic lighting to highlight its details.