FOLLOWING almost six decades in storage, for part of that time at the Central Bank of Egypt, a number of important pieces belonging to the Mohamed Ali family jewellery collection have been placed in the Egyptian Museum. Last week the museum in Tahrir Square was crowded with not only the usual visitors but also with museum staff carrying huge wooden boxes full of royal family jewels, which were confiscated at the time of the 1952 revolution. The objects will be classified and subjected to restoration before being put on special display. Supreme Council of Antiquities Secretary-General Zahi Hawass said the objects and their accompanying documents were placed in 45 wooden boxes to guarantee their safe transportation. They had been in what was thought to be safe storage at the Central Bank of Egypt until 1976, when it was discovered that some of the items were missing. After investigations a law suit was filed but was unresolved owing to the death of the defendant. The objects are now in the basement of the Egyptian Museum until approval is given by the prosecutor-general that the boxes, which are sealed with red wax, can be opened.