The Egyptian trumpets of pharaoh Tutankhamun were played after 3,000 years in a 1939 BBC radio broadcast. The broadcast was a remarkable event that allowed listeners from around the world to hear the sound of ancient Egypt.
The Trumpets
The two small, ornate trumpets were found among Tutankhamun’s treasures over a decade and a half earlier. They were made of silver and bronze or copper and featured intricate imagery, including floral motifs and Egyptian gods.
The trumpets were played by a British army bandsman, James Tappern, who described the experience as having an extraordinary intimacy. However, the playing of the trumpets was not without risk, as one of the trumpets shattered during rehearsals.
Preservation
Today, the trumpets are housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum, where they are preserved in climate-controlled displays. The museum’s state-of-the-art facility is designed to protect the trumpets and other ancient artifacts from damage.
The story of the Egyptian trumpets serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. It also highlights the challenges of balancing the desire to experience and learn from the past with the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
