Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Egyptian Grave Containing a Naturally Preserved Body
This man died 5,400 years ago, a thousand years before the pyramids. His people buried
him in the fetal position, where he could “sleep” for eternity. The hot sand naturally de-
hydrated and protected the body. With him are a few of his possessions: bowls, beads, and
the flint blade next to his arm. His grave was covered with stones. Named “Ginger” by
scientists for his wisps of red hair, this man from a distant time seems very human.
•
Backtrack to Room 61 and head back down the stairs to the Egyptian Gallery and the
Rosetta Stone. Just past the Rosetta Stone, find a huge head (facing away from you) with a
hat like a bowling pin.
Colossal Head of Amenhotep III
Art served as propaganda for the pharaohs, kings who called themselves gods on earth.
Put this red granite head (c. 1370
B.C.
) on top of an enormous body (which still stands in
Egypt), and you have the intimidating image of an omnipotent ruler who demands servile
obedience. Next to the head is, appropriately, the pharaoh's powerful fist—the long arm of
the law.
