Egyptian officials scramble to recover ancient painting stolen from 'cursed' tomb amid recent thefts

Mohamed Ismail, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced the suspected theft on Sunday. The painting was stolen from the Saqqara necropolis, per The Associated Press. 

The limestone relief was in the tomb of Khentika, a high-ranking figure during the sixth dynasty of the Old Kingdom period.

The painting dates back to around 2,300 B.C., making it at least 4,200 years old.

The tomb, found in the 1950s, was sealed by officials in 2019. 

Citing Egyptian media, the AP reported that the painting was discovered missing in May, but its disappearance was not announced until this week.

Details about the painting are limited. 

Egyptian media indicated the painting showed the ancient Egyptians' three seasons: the flooding season Akhet, the planting season Peret and the harvest season, Shomu.

The inscription warned intruders they could face the wrath of the gods if they trespassed, the AP reported.

The bracelet, which had belonged to Pharaoh Usermaatre Amenemope, was melted down.

"Pickpocketing in crowded markets, taxi overcharging and aggressive sales tactics are much more common than armed robbery or assault," noted Coursen.

"Egypt also has unique risks tied to regional instability and terrorism, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and occasionally in major cities."

The Associated Press contributed reporting.