The tribune independent of Michigan. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1933-1935, 1934-07-14
'CURSE.RIDDEN' TOMB
VISITED BY 100000
Death of Writer Recalls
"Tut" Superstition.

Nusutuktou.4n0 uCoth IN ASVA<~
don of Arthur q. p. b. Wsigall.
writer and Egyptologist, who en-
tered the tomb Of King Tut-Ankh-
Amen shortly after II was opened
In 1923, has recalled the supersti-
ton In regard to "Tut-Ankh-Amen's
curse" believed by the credulous
to pursue those who had TO part In
uncoverlng the Pharaoh's last rest
ing place. A communication to the
National Geographic society from
Dr Maynard Owen Williams. who.
as correspondent for the National
Geographic Magazine. entered the
tomb with MIR. Weigall. tells OF the
niany persons who have gone into
the Tut-Ankh-Amen burial cham.
Der. hewn from the limestone cliffs
near Luxur. Egypt.
Tourists View Chamber.
"'rhe official opening OF the In
ner chamber was on February
IS, 1923" writes Doctor Williams
"rior to that time, probably dozen
workers and supervisors had been
in and out of the chamber contain
ing the kings mummy, though
none OF them knew that the shrines.
sarcophagus and rich collins had ac-
tually survived 80 centuries or
grave robberies. On the 10th score
OF Egyptian officials visited the
tomb. and on the 18th party OF
about ten Psychologists entered. On
the day of the official opening the
queen OF the Belgians was the honor
guest, and went In with a group OF
about n dozen companions and off,
cials. On the following day nine
foreign correspondents were admit
ted, including Mr. WeIgall and my
self.
Soon after this the tomb was tenn
pOrariy closed; but after the art
objects had been removed and pro-
tected. the tomb with its sarcopha-
gus and mummy was opened for Wis
its by the nublic Probably 10000
visitors IN all have entered the
tomb. Twelve thousand visited II
during two months in 1896.
"1he finding OF Embellishments
tomb became world news. Thou
sands % columns Of newspaper space
we're devoted to It IN every coun.
try. Never before In history had
an archaeological discovery so cap
tured popular Interest.
business men throughout the
world pleaded for the right to use
those 3,3O0ycar-old designs for
gloves, sandals. jewelry and textiles.
One American silk manufactures es.
tablished scholarship for study of
the designs.
Museum HoIds Treasures.
"Ihs incompatible treasures from
TutADkh-Amen's tomb, whose sal
wage and preservation required
years Of arduous work, are now
mere exhibits In the Egyptian mu-
scum al Cairo. where they occupy
several galleries IN the crowded
sho~ house founded by Marietta
pasha.
Soon after the tomb was closed
At the end Of the ig23 season, Lord
Carnnryon, who had backed a
thnhkless task which led 10 q bril-.
liant discovery, died AZ a result OF
an Insect bite and pneumonia, and
soon movie producers In Berlln be-
gan film. 'Pharaoh's Revenge.
based on the theme OF evil spirits. In
regard to the suggestion OF ralcvo
lent Influences, Mr.. Weigall. nj
though a scientist. declared that he
kept an open mind lie devoted
Ia the subject fantastic chapter
In his volume .Tut-Ankh.Amen and
Other Essays
Such curses as we're Inscribed
In Egyptian tombs were designed 70
scare away possible tomb robbers
but at Thebes the very men who
dug the underground chambers 70,
the dead and prepared the sarcoph
agl for the royal mummles some
times tunneled under the site. Thu,
they we're ready to break through
the floor and the base OF the sar
cophagus and 20 withdraw the mum
my and its jewels. The upper sur
face OF tho royal sepulcher would
give no hint that the body had beer
taken awav."