The Controversial Afterlife of King Tut & the Museum Struggle in Egypt

Henry Carter was the archaeologist who discovered the tomb of King Tut in 1922 and during his excavation Carter had a mud-brick house located near the dig site. This house was made into a museum that included much of Carter's belongings and a holographic presentation of Carter. I think this was a great idea and I would love to have visited Carters house, but now unfortunately the museum is very run down and has very few visitors due to many factors. Recently work has been under way to create a replica of King Tut’s tomb because the heavy foot traffic and interactions of so many visitors is a threat to the original tomb. I am glad to hear that it will be opening soon because although it is important for people to see the safety and preservation of the tomb should come first. I not only think this from a historical preservation point of view but also out of respect for the dead. The final resting place of King Tut’s body (because his soul went on to the afterlife!) should be respected just like we respect cemeteries and mausoleums today. Just like Carter’s house museum finishing the replica of King Tut’s tomb has had many hindrances. First people are more interested in the tomb of King Tut and not Carters house museum, the presence of the Egyptian revolution, many terrorism threats, and political unrest in the area have not helped to bring in visitors. I think and investment in more security would be a good idea to help bring in more visitors. There is a dig going on in Turkey that is 10 feet away from Islamic controlled territory and Isis threats but the people in charge of the dig have ensured that it is a safe area by installing 500 guards and 13 foot high walls around the site. I think the Carter house museum and the King Tut tomb replica would benefit greatly by doing this too, especially right now. This article also includes an interesting representation of what King Tut may have looked like in terms of stature and build. He is depicted with a club foot and a feminine shaped body structure caused by a possible hormone disorder. There have been many ideas about what King Tut may have looked like, but I am not too supportive of this one. 


Henry Carter Nov. 5, 1922

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/controversial-afterlife-king-tut-180953400/