The Art & History Museum in Brussels holds a unique treasure: three authentic objects that come directly from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the legendary pharaoh, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. These artifacts are the only officially recognized pieces from the tomb to be preserved outside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, making them an invaluable attraction for visitors.
These objects have a fascinating history, closely linked to Queen Elisabeth and King Albert I, who received them as gifts during their visits to Egypt.
Among these treasures are two small bronze farming tools, once held by ushabtis—small funerary figurines meant to work for the deceased in the afterlife. These tools, rich in symbolism, reflect the deep beliefs of the ancient Egyptians about life after death.
The third object is even rarer: a fragment of a linen veil, once decorated with metal daisies, which covered one of the gilded shrines surrounding Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus. Over time, this fabric has almost entirely disappeared, but this small piece, gifted to Queen Elisabeth, is the only known surviving fragment.
A fun anecdote: the queen is said to have used this fragment as a bookmark before it became part of the museum’s collection!
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