TAA i.2.3 (4th Season)

Carter began his fourth season on 23 September 1925, travelling from London to Cairo, where he met C.C. Edgar at the Cairo Museum on 1 October to plan the long-awaited examination of Tutankhamun’s mummy. On 6 October, he travelled to Luxor, and by 9 October the tomb, laboratory, and magazine had been inspected and found in excellent condition. Work began on 13 October with the raising of the outer coffin lid, revealing a second coffin beneath decayed linen and floral garlands. Four days later, the second coffin was opened, exposing a third, wrapped in reddish linen. On 24 October, it was discovered to be solid gold, cemented to the second coffin by thick resin. On 28 October, the gold coffin lid was lifted, revealing the mummy adorned with a golden mask, gold bands, and amulets. From 29 October to 2 November, Carter removed the jewellery but failed to release the body from the resin. On 4–5 November, the outer shell and gilt bier were removed from the sarcophagus. The unwrapping began on 11 November, with M. Lacau and Dr Douglas Derry present. Amulets, pectorals, collars, daggers, bracelets, and rings emerged in layers, along with gold sandals, toe stalls, and arm circlets, confirming the king’s age at about eighteen. By 14–15 November, the upper chest revealed winged goddess pectorals, and on 16 November the golden mask was removed, exposing the skull. The anatomical study concluded on 20 November. From late November through December, the focus shifted to conserving shrines, couches, chariots, and furniture, with Harry Burton photographing each piece. The work continued through January–February 1926, treating delicate wood and inlay. In March, large items were dismantled and packed for Cairo. April and early May were spent on final cataloguing and photography. On 20 May, the last cases were shipped, and on 21 May the tomb was sealed for the summer, closing another remarkable season.