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Primary sourcePhotograph1920s

First Published View of Tutankhamun's Sarcophagus Between the Shrine Doors

Harry Burton · 1920s

The first published photograph showing Tutankhamun's stone sarcophagus visible between the open shrine doors.

This image documents the sarcophagus containing Tutankhamun's own remains, the central object of his tomb.

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Black and white photograph of an ancient Egyptian shrine interior. Carved hieroglyphic panels line open gilded doors, and a stone sarcophagus with a winged carved design is visible between them in shadow.
Harry Burton, first published view of Tutankhamun's sarcophagus, 1920s. Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities, Sweden.

About this source

What it is

This photograph by Harry Burton, taken during Howard Carter's excavation, was the first published image of Tutankhamun's quartzite sarcophagus, seen between the open doors of its surrounding shrine. Carved figures of protective goddesses appear at the sarcophagus corners. It is held by the Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities, Sweden.

Why it matters

The excavation record describes the sarcophagus as intact and magnificent in workmanship. As the first public image of this central object, the photograph let people outside Egypt see direct evidence of Tutankhamun's burial, shaping how the discovery became known worldwide.

Look closer

  • What details of the sarcophagus and doors can you make out in the shadows?
  • Why do you think this particular image was chosen to be the first one published?
  • What questions does the photograph leave unanswered about what was found inside?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Tutankhamun on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Black and white photograph of a wooden figure wearing a striped royal headdress with a uraeus cobra, crossed arms holding ceremonial objects, and hieroglyphic inscriptions in columns on the lower body.Photograph

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Photograph of Tutankhamun's Shawabti Figure

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Tomb of Tutankhamun

14th century BCE

Black and white photograph of two men inside a tomb opening the carved, hieroglyph-covered gilded doors of a shrine. One man in a light cap kneels and reaches toward the doors, while another man in a jacket leans over from the right. Carved relief figures and inscriptions cover the panels.Photograph

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Opening the Doors of the Fourth Shrine in Tutankhamun's Tomb

Harry Burton · 1920s

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