Relatives of archaeologist Howard Carter have laid to rest the legend of the mummy of all curses – during a visit to a replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Audrey Carter, 78, was among hundreds of history buffs who visited a major exhibition on the Egyptian pharaoh at the Trafford Centre.
And the pensioner, from Stretford, said she thought the ‘curse’ were made up by journalists who had missed the story of the world’s greatest archaeological discovery by her famous relative.
Amateur Egyptologist Audrey, a distant cousin of Howard Carter, said: "This is a fantastic exhibition and it really is worth people coming to see it.
"I’ve been to Egypt several times and have stepped inside the real tomb, but I am so lucky to have this virtually on my doorstep.
"Howard was a very good archaeologist. He was very meticulous and I’m very proud of him."
But she added: "I don’t believe in the curse. It was made up by journalists who missed the exclusive story of the tomb’s discovery. When I visited the tomb myself I felt quite happy."
Howard Carter, who was inspector general of monuments in Upper Egypt, discovered the tomb after a long search on November 4, 1922.
Yesterday was the anniversary of him opening the tomb and gazing upon its wonders.
He died in 1939 without receiving proper recognition for his efforts.
The Trafford Centre exhibition – Tutankhamun and his Treasures – is on until February. It features more than 1,000 objects – perfect replicas produced in Egypt under scientific supervision.
Audrey was joined on the tour by Janet Carter, 60, from Lincolnshire, a great niece of Howard.
She told how the family had a telegram sent by Howard explaining his frustration at visitors walking over his ‘life’s work’ in the 1920s.
She said: "He was frustrated. Many people wanted to see the tomb. even before he had completed his work.
Janet said: "I don’t believe there was a curse.
"If there was one, it would have been a curse on the family – and we’re all doing okay.
"Perhaps his curse was that he didn’t receive the acknowledgement he deserved."
Peter Phillips, from Ancient Egypt magazine, said: "The quality of these replicas is first rate.
"They are almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
"You can get close to them here and take photos of them, which you can’t do in Egypt.
"For anyone studying Egyptology, this is an invaluable exhibition."
THE curse of Tutankhamun became popular legend shortly after Howard Carter peered into the dark tomb and described seeing ‘things, wonderful things’.
Lord Carnarvon, the dig’s financial backer, died from a mosquito bite just seven weeks after the official opening and his younger brother died five months later.
Another casualty was Howard Carter’s pet canary, which was swallowed by a cobra on the day the tomb was opened. Six of the people at the opening died within a decade.
But, in reality, many of those associated with the discovery lived to a ripe old age.
Lady Evelyn, Lord Carnarvon's daughter and one of the first into the tomb, died in 1980 aged 79.
The ‘curse’ remained a popular myth when Tutankhamun’s gold went on tour in the 1970s. A policeman in San Francisco sought compensation for a stroke he said had happened while minding the pharaoh's death mask, but his claim was dismissed by a judge.
Author: Dean Kirby | Source: Manchester Evening News [November 27, 2010]