Slideshow: A new look at the Boy King

Sunday, June 11, 2006

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Multimedia presentation by
Gretchen McKay and Curt Chandler
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" features more than 130 treasures from Tut's and other royal tombs, including some that have never before left Egypt. Among these are the beautiful gold diadem found on the head of the mummy. Most artifacts are in pristine condition.

Fifty of the objects come directly from the young pharaoh's tomb, which was raided shortly after he was buried and then hastily resealed. They include a small wood and ebony chair with lion paw legs he likely used as his royal seat, a falcon collar of sheet gold that was wrapped around the neck of his mummy, and a golden ceremonial dagger and sheath that was meant to protect him in the afterlife.

Close to 1 million visitors are expected to see the exhibit while it's in Chicago for its seven-month run. David Foster, project manager for exhibitions at the Field Museum in Chicago, provides an insiders view.

Multimedia Index

First published on June 11, 2006 at 12:00 am

Gretchen McKay can be reached at gmckay@post-gazette.com or 412-761-4670. Curt Chandler can be contacted at cchandler@post-gazette.com.