Must See King Tut at the DeYoung Before it Departs

Coffinette for the viscera of Tutankhamun (detail), Dynasty 18, Reign of Tutankhamun 1332-1322 BCE. 39.5 cm L x 11 cm W x 10 cm H. Photo: Andreas F. Voegelin, Antikenmuseum Basel and Sammlung Ludwig - Used with Permission

By: Kevin L. Nichols

What better way to celebrate Black History Month, than to visit the “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” exhibit currently on display at the DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park located in San Francisco. Some Americans believe that Black History only celebrates the accomplishments of African Americans, however, many neglect the vast achievements made by African American ancestors who belonged to such advanced civilizations as ancient Egypt. Europeans and “westerners” marvel at the complexity of the ancient pyramids, sophisticated jewelry, artwork, mummification process, preservation, and religious practices still today. As we celebrate Black History, let us look back 3000 plus years to understand the significance of the “boy king” known as Tutankhamun or King Tut.

King Tut lived between 1304-1322 BC. He had a tumultuous reign as a young boy for 9 years. Trying to undue the religious modifications of the previous king, his father, King Tut fought to restore the traditional religious practices of his ancestors. King Tut died mysteriously at either 18 or 19 years old and was honored like no other king found in Egypt. Solid gold sarcophaguses, masks, furniture, jewelry, and other royal possessions were buried with him in a tomb located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. For centuries, archeologists sought to find this tomb and uncover its treasures. It was not until Howard Carter discovered the tomb in 1922. Since then, this exhibit has toured all over the world, however, the last time it was in the Bay Area was 30 years ago.

To see some of the artifacts that will be displayed and for more information about the exhibit, please visit http://www.tutsanfrancisco.org. This is a once in a life time opportunity to witness history. Target is sponsoring a free weekend February 20-21, 2010, so if you can, please try to visit before March 28, 2010 when it departs.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author, President and CEO of KLN Publishing. LLC located in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit www.klnpublishing.com.

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