LUXOR DISCOVERIES

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 19

LUXOR DISCOVERIES

REMARKABLE WORLD INTEREST. LONDON, December 24. The Daily Mail says: There is extraordinary interest all over the world in Lord Carnarvon’s discoveries. Tt led the Egyptian Government to erect a barrier to prevent people from entering the tomb and stealing tlie treasures. Already there are great demands fof accommodation in the Luxor district, and a pilgrimage will begin on a large scale as soon as it is possible to admit visitors. Lord Carnarvon was received by their Majesties at Buckingham Palace, and he vividly described the treasures. The Queen was particularly interested. Lord Carnarvon reports that he has received a cable from Mr Carter which might be construed to mean that he had made further discoveries. It appears that for the first time the fabric was found in which the Egyptian Sovereigns were dressed. Tutankhumen s and his queens’ dresses are of diaphanous material, such as that portrayed on Egyptian monuments, but never before have been seen or handled anything of such beautiful and delicate workmanship. Its preservation will be a matter of great difficulty, as the objects, having been so long kept in a vault, are liable to fall to dust on exoosure to the air. At the back of the king’s throne is a unique portrait of the king comprised of precious stones. Nothing to compare with its beauty has been previously found in Egypt. Life-size statues of the Pharaohs are known to have been fashioned at that period from actual plaster masks; thus a true portrait is new discovered of Tutankhumen. It has also been discovered how the Egyptians lighted their palaces. They used twisted linen bands soaked in oil and held up by metal. Egyptologists hope that the papyri will throw new light on the period.