Items that were found in tutankhamen s tomb 1
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Items That Were Found in Tutankhamen’s Tomb
The ancient Egyptians believed that life on Earth was simply a part of a larger journey
that ended in everlasting life rather than death. However, for the life to continue after death, the
body had to remain as intact as possible. To ensure that no damage was done to the corpse, the
Egyptians developed a unique technique of embalming known as mummification. The
mummification process involved the removal of organs that are subject to decay such as the
liver, lungs, intestine, and the stomach through an incision in the left flank. The brain was also
extracted through the nostrils, the heart was left intact since it was perceived to be the seat of
intelligence. The body was then treated with a special salt for 40 days to dehydrate the body.
Layers of resins and bandages were used to wrap the body tightly to ensure that it maintained its
shape. Preserving the deceased body was not the only requirement for immortality, other items
including clothes, food, utensils, and furniture were also buried with the mummy.
King Tutankhamen is believed to have ruled Egypt from 1333-1323 BCE, he ruled for a
decade before he died at the age of 18 (Kleiner & Fred 2011). King Tutankhamen’s tomb was
uncovered in 1922 together with artifacts and fabulously rich art. Artifacts recovered include
gold, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and carnelian. The pharaoh’s encased body is the most important
monument in the collection. The royal mummy was entombed in the smallest of three coffins,
which were piled one inside the other. His tomb depicts a peaceful young pharaoh clothed in his
formal regalia, including the nemes headpiece and an artificial beard. The tomb treasures exude
majesty and wealth, expressing Egyptian strength, pride, and culture.
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The practice of burying a leader with some of their prized artifacts is still practiced today.
During the burial ceremony of Nelson Mandela, a South African leader his body was wrapped in
a leopard’s skin. Thereafter he was buried with some of his special belongings such as a shield,
spear, and tobacco. The rituals prove that just like the Egyptians, the Xhosa people believe that
there is life after death hence the dead should be buried with items that they can use in their
afterlife.
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Works Cited
Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s Art through Ages: A Global History. Enhanced
13th ed., Wadsworth, 2011.
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