I am so glad I took the time to read this book before going to the King Tut exhibit in Toronto today. Being able to make connections and apply my background knowledge made the whole exhibit come alive for me. I was immediately immersed in ancient Egypt and recognized many of the people and objects that existed during that time.
Howard Carter, who discovered King Tut's tomb, was also featured. The book detailed his long and arduous journey to the discovery and this was evident in what was presented at the museum. To the question "Can you see anything?", his first words were "Yes, yes, wonderful things." Indeed, many of the "wonderful things" found in the tomb, were on display. King Tut had been buried with all of his belongings and these were discovered intact in the tomb. The first item seen by Carter as he broke through the first entrance, was a white bed which was one of the items featured at the exhibit. It truly was magnificent to view this item and imagine how Carter felt when he saw it in 1922.
It was interesting to note the items valued by the ancient Egyptians and therefore, placed in the tombs of dead Pharaohs. Many of the items held great significance especially in the after life. For example, small wooden "shabtis" in different poses and holding various tools represented workers for the deceased. Models of boats, the main means of transportation, were also important. The mummy, not shown at the exhibit, was ceremonially wrapped with amulets, necklaces and other jewellery, much of which was on display. The gold finger and toe protectors on the mummy were also present. The canopic vessels which held the internal organs were fascinating. One in particular, a small, golden sarcophagus, had held the stomach.
Disappointing, but to be expected, was the fact that the sarcophagus, the mummy and the golden mask were not featured. Obviously delicate and expensive items, I understood their absence; nonetheless, I had hoped to see something - even a video or replica would have sufficed.
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