Howard Carter Letter Blames Journalist for Tutankhamun Curse Myth, Sells at Auction
A three-page letter written by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1934 was sold at RR Auctions in Boston on March 18 for $16,643. In the correspondence, Carter disputes the 'Curse of the Pharaohs' legend surrounding the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, attributing its creation to journalist Arthur Weigall. Carter claims Weigall invented the sensational story out of resentment after being excluded from exclusive coverage arrangements granted to The Times of London. The letter reveals tensions between Carter and Weigall, whom Carter described as a 'menace to archaeology.' This document provides historical insight into how archaeological discoveries were reported and mythologized in the early 20th century.
Key facts
- Howard Carter's 1934 letter sold for $16,643 at RR Auctions on March 18
- Carter blamed journalist Arthur Weigall for inventing the Tutankhamun curse myth
- The curse legend emerged after Weigall was excluded from exclusive tomb coverage
- The letter was written to Helen Ionides shortly after Weigall's death in 1934
- This same document previously sold for $10,000 in 2022
Entities
Institutions
- RR Auctions
- The Times of London
- Daily Mail
- Red Cross
Locations
- Boston
- Luxor
- Egypt
- Valley of the Kings