Tut’s Treasures at Lynx Exhibits
by Jessica Valdez

Don’t let the name of this exhibit fool you. Tut’s Treasures is not an exhibit of a chest full of jewels found buried in Egypt’s desert. It is actually a journey through several aspects of ancient Egypt. The journey begins with an amusing simulator ride into Egypt, then a clumsy walk (thanks to the simulator ride) through 126 replicas of King Tutankhamen’s (Tut’s) treasures found in his tomb and even toys the young pharaoh played with over three milennia ago.

The most fascinating fact about King Tut is that although there were many pharaohs in his time, he is the most famous. What you may not know is that the people of ancient Egypt did everything in their power to dethrone him when he was king, but were unsuccessful. This exhibit explains why when archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922, all of Tut’s treasures were strewn inside, unlike other neatly organized tombs. Throughout the exhibit, displayed on walls are oversized black and white photos taken upon discovery which show how the tomb looked inside. Lynx Exhibits curator, Terry Valero, says one reason El Pasoans should be excited about this exhibit is because it includes “a display of original period artifacts including a bust of Akhenaten (Tut’s father) and a picture of the royal family carved from a tomb wall, both over 3,000 years old,” and since these are replicas (and not originals), “we did not have to compromise on what pieces would be available for El Paso to see…the ‘real’ pieces touring the world now have only 50 items and do not have the funerary mask, probably the most famous piece of all; we have 126.”

Driving to this exhibit I began thinking about the ancient Egyptian culture and what I remembered learning about it in school. I felt pretty confident I probably wouldn’t learn more from the exhibit than I already knew, but instead get a refresher course. To my surprise, I left the exhibit with an entirely new knowledge of King Tut’s life and culture. For example, I had no idea the sandals they wore always bore depictions of an Asian or African representing their enemies at the time. Also, their masks always had a falcon and serpent symbolizing northern and southern Egypt. Finally, I always wondered why they loved beetles so much. Apparently, this beetle, known as a scarab to Egyptians, represented resurrection and a new day.

I was very impressed with the exhibit, even with the simulator ride, which is mostly intended for children. Behind the black, long curtains is a stage and a short set of stairs which lead to the simulator ride. This ride is a simple design of rows of chairs mounted to a platform below, but once it starts up, hold on to your seat because you will bounce in your chair. The screen in front of you begins alongside you with a cartoon-like adventure which takes you on a carpet ride through Egypt and King Tut’s tomb. Watch out for the enormous cobra snake!

Once you have exited the ride, you will enter a large red room which showcases the highly anticipated replicas. Of these replicas, my favorites (I could not decide on just one) were the cosmetic spoons and containers, mirrors, flasks, wooden urns which held human organs for more than 300 decades ago and my all-time favorite, a lamp made of alabaster which only showed its detail at bedtime. This lamp had pictures carved inside so
when it was day, it dawned a simple ivory color, but when nightfall came and the lamp was lit, beautiful colored figurines would appear within the light.

It is amazing to see how advanced this civilization was. When asked what people should take with them (spiritually, emotionally and literally) from the exhibit, Valero says, “To realize the
tremendous technology, culture and life of ancient Egypt. That people 3,000 years ago could build pyramids, wear earrings and create delicate gold jewelry, while developing cosmetics and
cultural mores.”

As you depart the exhibit, you will find souvenirs to remind you of the incredible experience arranged in glass cases, ranging in price from $8-$80. Whether you take 45 minutes or two hours to complete this experience, it will be unforgettable. This exhibit runs through September 7, at the Lynx Exhibits, 300 W. San Antonio in Downtown El Paso.

The exhibit’s hours are:
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun. noon-6 p.m.
Last Admission 5 p.m.
Ticket Pricing:
Adults (12 years+) $12
Seniors (62 years+) $10
Students & Military (with ID) $10
Children (4-11 years old) $10
Tickets are available at the door or online at www.lynxexhibits.com
Group tickets are also available, but you must call to get rates and book a tour in advance at 915.533.4330