The Unwrapping of Tutankhamun’s Mummy

Procedures like the one pictured here were common at the time but are no longer practiced. The unwrapping of the mummy of Tutankhamun was led by two medical professionals, both bending forward in the image: Douglas Derry (wearing a watch) assisted by Saleh Bey Hamdi (on the far right). A formal committee convened for the event, including Egyptian governmental officials, several of whom are shown here. When Egypt achieved independence in 1922, the country was able, for the first time, to regulate archaeology conducted within its borders through an elected government made up of Egyptians.

This informal photograph may have been taken just before or after Derry made the first cut through the textiles. The unwrapping exposed dozens of gold items and the king’s body itself. The latter showed that Tutankhamun was an adolescent or very young man when he died.