3,000-Year-Old Statue Bearing Striking Similarity to the King of Pop
An ancient Egyptian bust currently on display at the Field Museum in Chicago has been causing quite a stir among visitors due to its remarkable likeness to the late pop icon, Michael Jackson. The limestone carving, which dates back to the New Kingdom Period (1550 BC – 1050 BC), has become one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, attracting countless fans of the King of Pop.
The Bust’s Journey to Chicago
The statue was purchased in Cairo by Chicago timber baron Edward E. Ayer in 1889. It was later donated to the Field Museum in 1899 and has been on display since 1988 as part of the museum’s permanent exhibition, Inside Ancient Egypt. Despite the lack of hieroglyphics on the bust, archaeologists have determined that it was carved sometime during the reign of either King Ramesses or King Tut.
A Pilgrimage for Michael Jackson Fans
The ancient carving has become a site of pilgrimage for many Michael Jackson fans, with some even inquiring about the statue before purchasing tickets. Many visitors head directly to the exhibit upon entering the museum, eager to see the uncanny resemblance for themselves. While some overzealous fans might be tempted to touch or kiss the statue, such actions are strictly prohibited, and the carving is protected behind a screen.
The Missing Nose Mystery
Despite the striking similarity to Michael Jackson, the limestone carving is actually a statue of a woman, measuring 25 cm high by 35 cm wide. The bust’s nose, or lack thereof, has been a topic of much discussion. A curator at the museum explained that “95% of Egyptian statues and busts were defiled by early Christians and Muslims because they were used for idolatry. They looked at these as idols and taking the nose off made them ‘non-human.'”
“Remember the Time” Connection
Many visitors are convinced of the statue’s connection to Michael Jackson when they recall his 1993 pop hit, “Remember the Time.” The music video for the song is set in ancient Egypt, adding to the eerie coincidence of the bust’s appearance.
While the true identity and purpose of the statue remain a mystery, its uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson continues to captivate visitors and spark time travel theories. The ancient Egyptian bust at the Field Museum in Chicago stands as a testament to the enduring power of both ancient art and modern pop culture icons.
