Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1924-11-14
DEFIED GODS WRATH
FOR SAKE OF LOOT
Proof That Egyptian Under
takers Stole From Dead,

Evidence that Egyptian undertakers
In 1000 b. c, stole jewelry from the
dead, defying the gols, and then sent
the family big bills has been uncov-
cred by the University museum expe-
dition In the tombs of ancient Egypt,
writes the Philadelphia Bulletin.
DIR. Clarence S. Fisher, in charge of
the Eckley B. Coke expedition sent
out by the museum, gives these facts
in report just received The site
now being eXcavated was used as
early as 200 b. G. by the mysterious
Antef kings Its tombs, however, ac-
cording to Doctor Fisher, reach their
grandest splendor in the period from
the Eighteenth to Twentieth century
B. c., when the kings and queens and
their courtiers were buried just oppo-
site Luxor.
ut was one of the fundamental req
uisites in Egyptian religious beliefs
that the body of the deceased should
be preserved intact throughout eter-
nifty, and much pains and Ingenuity
were expended to accomplish this
end" writes Doctor Fisher. "Tombs
were constructed with false doors and
misleading passages so that the actual
location of the tomb chamber would
be concealed. Our excavations of
Gizeh and Dendereh showed us the
undertakers intrusted with the dispos-
al of the corpse in its final resting
place were, however, willing to defy
the gods for spoils.
Bodies have been found in sealed
tombs and in collins with the lids I'M
disturbed with their hands, feet and
heads cut off so ornaments and jewel
ry could be removed quickly. Having
done this hastily, the undertakes de-
parted with their loot, never failing.
It is certain, to collect the amount due
from the family for their services"
Further evidence that it was bad
practice for q man to try to take his
wealth with him after death is given
by Doctor Fisher, who adds:
During the reign of the later RAJ
messide pharaChs the systematic plum
dering of the Theban tombs by organ
lied bands became such public scan
dial that commission was appointed
to investigate the matter. The rob
bers after finding q tomb in the midst
Of Il group tunneled under ground to
an adjoining one and thus could loot
whole row of chambers without
their work becoming apparent to any
one on the outside.
During the Middle ages there arose
in Europe demand for the bitumen
with which the mummies had been
preserved, as It was supposed to have
some medicinal value. The cemeter-
les were the only source of supply,
and countless tombs were searched.
"The final phase came with the ad-
vent Of the modern tourist and his de-
mand for souvenirs of his visit. To
this period we owe the wholesale de-
struction of the decorations on the
walls themselves. as many beautiful
reliefs were wantOnly mutilated to get
one coveted head. Happily, the ma
tives have now discovered it is far
more profitable and less risky to pass
off upon the tourist an excellent for
gerry, which gives as much satisfaction
to the purchaser.
"The lower slope of the cemetery is
practically covered with the mud brick
houses of the modern Arab town of
Dra-abul-neggah, in each case house
marking the position of tomb.
1.-THE entire village owes its exist
ence to the fact that in this district,
excessively hot in summer, cool sub
terranean chamber is necessary ad-
junct to a dwelling and the rock cav
erns were a cheap and easy way Of
obtaining It. When not used for
sleeping they made fine stables and
storerooms for crops. The chance of
finding treasure was an added In
centive."