The Discovery of Tutankhamun: Unveiling Splendour, Unmasking Controversy

On a November morning in 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter chiselled through a sealed doorway in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and peered into a darkness, undisturbed for more than three millennia. With only the light of a candle to guide him, he noted in his diary the “wonderful things” his eyes gazed upon - golden beds shaped as sacred animals, inlaid chests, and, most famously, the dazzling golden death mask of Tutankhamun (twt-ꜥnḫ-jmn). From a world of magnificent discoveries, Egypt had unearthed its latest feat and began the whirlwind of a modern look at the Ancient Civilisation that once ruled the desert.

However, the story of Tutankhamun’s tomb is not just one of wonder and mystery. Beneath the glittering surface lies a web of complexities and controversies: from colonial ambitions to questions of ownership and repatriation, the ethics of archaeology and the impact on Egypt’s cultural identity remain at the forefront of every modern Egyptologists mind when studying Carter’s story.

The “Good”?

From the moment news of the tomb’s discovery broke, Tutankhamun’s name was seen on headlines worldwide. The tomb, titled KV62, was the most complete pharaonic burial ever found at the time. Four chambers, yielding over 5,000 artifacts - thrones, chariots, jewellery, statues, and the young king’s mummy itself. The size and preservation of the tomb revolutionised the way we studied Egyptology, allowing for an unprecedented glimpse into upper class 18^th Dynasty Egypt.

The Shadows of Colonialism and Exploitation

However magnificent the triumph, in a modern review - we must observe the wider context in which the discovery occurred, as well as the discovery itself. Egypt was under British colonial rule in the early 20^th century (the time of Carters exhibition) and archaeologists were allowed to take part in the system of antiquities sharing – resulting in a clear power imbalance during excavations.

Lord Carnarvon (Patron and chief financial backer of Carter’s exhibition) was able to secure the excavation permit through connections with colonial authorities. There were significant negotiations that occurred following the dig – with Carter’s team and the Egyptian authorities both under immense pressure from the colonial overseers. This meant there was a clear imbalance of power coming into deciding which artifacts went to whom, and it wasn’t the only time. For decades, finds from Egypt’s digs were frequently and routinely exported to Europe and America – sent on to fill the back rooms and display cabinets of museums.

Finds from tomb KV62, though ultimately remained under Egyptian ownership, were nearly lost to another country. “Discovery” often meant taking – voices of local communities were often silenced, and items were taken anyways. Following quite intense international pressure, the finds of Tutankhamun’s tomb helped navigate a shift towards more restrictions – and encouraged the types of critiques we hold today towards these “magnificent” finds.

Who Owns the Past? The Debate over Repatriation

The lingering presence of Egyptian artifacts in Western museums continues to fuel debates over cultural property and repatriation. Though Tutankhamun’s treasures were able to remain under Egyptian ownership, there are still many objects that remain in the holds of other countries (the Rosetta Stone and the bust of Nefertiti to name two). These pieces remain a constant reminder which many Egyptians deem cultural theft – viewing their showcase in museums abroad a reflection of the colonial wound opened decades ago.

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb raises a larger number of constantly debated questions. Who is entitled to “own” the artifacts and knowledge of ancient civilisations? Should artifacts remain under the ownership of the countries where they were unearthed? Or is their presence in international museums providing what has become a heavily multi-cultural world with access to their own history (despite only 1% being on display)? The debate is constantly evolving and continuing to this day, with no clear end in sight.

The Ethics of Archaeology: Then and Now

Carter’s methods, though advanced for his time, would not meet today’s ethical standards. The removal of artifacts, the handling of human remains, and the often-destructive exploration of tombs are all practices that have come under scrutiny. Modern archaeology emphasises preservation and respect for the cultures they study – most often seeking collaboration with local communities. It is now understood that there is an invaluable knowledge that comes from the people who share the history we are exploring, and our role as archaeologists is to help understand this history (not take it to display as shiny things behind a glass box). I am very proud to say my studies at the two universities in Australia encouraged these ideas and promoted open conversations and debate surrounding such burning topics. If this can be a small indicator on how the scene is ever changing to a more positive approach of archaeology, I can only hope we are in for greater discoveries.

Early archaeology also saw the sacrifice of truth for public spectacle. “Curses” and other sensational press coverage were prioritised over integrity and cultural sensitivity and is something consistently criticised with historical journalism today. How often do we find ourselves getting drawn into articles titled “TOMB OF CLEOPATRA UNCOVERED!!” – when she’s still nowhere near being found. “Popular” Egyptology still has a heavy focus on treasures and mummies, rather than on the widespread understanding of ancient civilisations – many archaeologists falling victim to pressures of securing contracts and only focusing on the upper-class burials/lives. All continuing to emphasis the old school mindset that Egypt is a land of great relics made of gold and magnificent structures, rather than a continuing nation with its own rich history and voice.

Impact on Egyptian Identity

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb was a double-edged sword for Egypt. On one hand, it began the conversation surrounding independence and cultural revival within Egypt itself, with many of the finds becoming proud symbols of movements hoping to reclaim Egyptian heritage from foreign hands.

From the other side of the blade, the global spotlight on ancient Egypt is heavily focused on Pharaonic past. Often, what is displayed in international museums is that of the higher class (mainly royal) – and does not clearly tell the complex story of ALL Egyptians past.

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb is a story of human curiosity, ambition, and ingenuity. It is also a cautionary tale about the costs of privilege, the perils of power imbalances, and the desperate need for a constant ethical reflection in the study of history.

As the world continues to marvel at the boy king’s golden mask, it is vital to remember that history is not a static relic, but a living conversation - a dialogue that must include the voices of those to whom that history belongs. The treasures of Tutankhamun are, ultimately, not just artifacts to be admired behind glass, but reminders of our ongoing responsibility as specialists in the field, to ensure that we honour the past fairly and justly.

If you want to read more...

·         Carter, H. & Mace, A.C. (1923). The Tomb of Tutankhamun. London: Cassell & Co.

·         Tyldesley, J. (2012). Tutankhamun: The Search for the Boy King. London: Headline.

·         Wilkinson, R.H. (2010). The Complete Valley of the Kings. Thames & Hudson.

·         Hoving, T. (1978). Tutankhamun: The Untold Story. Simon & Schuster.

·         Reid, D.M. (2002). Whose Pharaohs? Archaeology, Museums, and Egyptian National Identity from Napoleon to World War I. University of California Press.

·         James, T.G.H. (2000). Howard Carter: The Path to Tutankhamun. Kegan Paul.

·         Riggs, C. (2016). Tutankhamun: The Life and Death of a Pharaoh. The British Museum Press.

·         El-Aref, N. (2019). Egypt’s battle for repatriation of artefacts. Al-Ahram Weekly.

·         Waxman, S. (2008). Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World. Times Books.

·         Meskell, L. (2010). Cosmopolitan Archaeologies. Duke University Press.

·         Brier, B. (1998). The Murder of Tutankhamun. Berkley Books.

·         Colla, E. (2007). Conflicted Antiquities: Egyptology, Egyptomania, Egyptian Modernity. Duke University Press.

·         Thompson, J. (2015). Wonderful Things: A History of Egyptology. American University in Cairo Press.

·         Stierlin, H. (1997). The Pharaohs: Master Builders. Taschen.

·         Hawass, Z. (2007). Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. National Geographic.

·         Riggs, C. (2021). Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology. Cambridge University Press.

·         Silverman, D.P. (1997). Searching for Ancient Egypt: Art, Architecture, and Artifacts from the University of Pennsylvania Museum. Cornell University Press.

·         Ikram, S. (2015). Ancient Egypt: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.