Customs and Border Protection seizes ancient Egyptian artifact in Memphis

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of Memphis, Tenn., seized an ancient Egyptian artifact that is at least 2,600 years old in a shipment from Europe meant for a private U.S. buyer.

The artifact was the stone lid of an Egyptian canopic jar, which was used to hold the internal organs of mummies. The jar featured the face of Imsety, a funeral deity that protected the deceased's liver in the ancient Egyptian religion.

Officers worked with the University of Memphis Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology to determine the artifact's authenticity, Customs and Border Protection said on Thursday. The canopic jar lid is likely from the Egyptian Third Intermediate Period, making it between 2,600 and 3,090 years old, according to authorities. 

The shipper of the artifact "made contradictory statements regarding the declared value of the item," officials stated. After intercepting the lid on Aug. 17, agents seized the artifact and turned it in to Homeland Security Investigations for further examination.

The artifact is on a protected items list, making it subject to seizure and forfeiture per the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act of 1983.