The missing top half of the statue, which had remained lost since German archaeologists uncovered its lower half in 1930, was finally unearthed in pristine condition. After nearly a century of searching, in March 2024, a team of U.S. and Egyptian archaeologists finally uncovered the top half of the statue. This context highlights the fragility of many ancient stone artifacts and the complex environmental factors that can affect their preservation. While ancient Egyptian statues were often painted in vibrant colors, few examples of such pigments have survived intact. The reunification of the statue is also a key milestone in the long journey of restoration and preservation of ancient Egyptian artifacts.