Ever since the official unveiling of the bust in Berlin in 1924, the Egyptian authorities have been demanding its return to Egypt. In 1925, Egypt threatened to ban German excavations in Egypt unless Nefertiti was returned.

In 1929, Egypt offered to exchange other artifacts for Nefertiti, but Germany declined. In the 1950s, Egypt again tried to initiate negotiations but there was no response from Germany. Although Germany had previously strongly opposed the repatriation, in 1933Hermann Göring considered returning the bust to King Farouk Fouad of Egypt as a political gesture.

Hitler opposed the idea, and told the Egyptian government that he would build a new Egyptian museum for Nefertiti: “In the middle, this wonder, Nefertiti, will be enthroned, … I will never relinquish the head of the Queen.” While the bust was under American control, Egypt requested the United States to hand it over; the USA refused and advised Egypt to take up the matter with the new German authorities. In 1989, the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak viewed the bust and announced that Nefertiti was “the best ambassador for Egypt” in Berlin.

It is currently on display at the restored and recently re-opened Neues Museum in Berlin, where it was displayed before World War II.

** PHOTO HAS BEEN ANNOTATED BY SOURCE ** In this undated photo composite released Tuesday, March 31, 2009 by the Radiological Society of North America, the bust of Nefertiti is shown. Researchers in Germany have used a modern medical procedure to uncover a secret within one of ancient Egypt’s most treasured artworks _ the bust of Nefertiti has two faces. The differences between the faces, though slight _ creases at the corners of the mouth, a bump on the nose of the stone version _ suggest to Dr. Alexander Huppertz, director of the Imaging Science Institute at Berlin’s Charite hospital and medical school, that someone expressly ordered the adjustments between stone and stucco when royal sculptors immortalized the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten 3,300 years ago. (AP Photo/Radiological Society of North America) ** NO SALES **

Ever since the official unveiling of the bust in Berlin in 1924, the Egyptian authorities have been demanding its return to Egypt. In 1925, Egypt threatened to ban German excavations in Egypt unless Nefertiti was returned.

Her bust has been an icon for many women and for many modern cosmetic lines. Many societies around the world have adopted the queen as a symbol of true beauty. She remains renowned for her beauty after her death and during her life as a queen.

Nefertiti was the Great Royal Wife of the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten. Nefertiti and her husband were known for a religious revolution, in which they worshiped one god only.

Torso of Queen Nefertiti at British Museum shop online

Torso of Queen Nefertiti | Boutiques de Musées

I like their braids, it’s very pretty.

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