The 'magic' behind a mysterious spinning Egyptian statue in a Manchester museum is likely to be broken when gallery repairs force curators to move it.
The 10-inch tall figurine of Neb-Senu – which dates back to 1800 BC - made headlines around the world when CCTV footage filmed it eerily turning of its own accord.
All manner of suggestion were proffered as explanations - from an ancient curse to the more scientific 'differential friction'.
The statue of Neb-Senu (dark stone) has been filmed spinning 180 degrees
But whatever was behind the phenomenon, repairs to the gallery in which it is housed mean curators will be force to move it.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Egyptologist Campbell Price, said: "The best explanation we’ve been given is that it is moving very slowly because of its interaction with the smooth surface of the space.
"Unfortunately, we will have to move it into a different case and it’s likely this will ‘break the spell".
"People will still be able to see it but probably it won’t be moving any more."
