A 3,000-year-old statue that bears a striking resemblance to the King of Pop
An ancient Egyptian bust currently on display at Chicago’s Field Museum has been causing quite a stir among visitors due to its striking resemblance to late pop icon Michael Jackson. The limestone carving, dating 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 trip to Chicago
The statue was acquired in Cairo by Chicago lumber 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 hieroglyphs on the bust, archaeologists have determined that it was carved sometime during the reign of King Ramses or King Tutankhamun.
A place of pilgrimage for Michael Jackson fans: The ancient carving has become a place of pilgrimage for many Michael Jackson fans, and some even ask about the statue before purchasing tickets. Many visitors head straight to the exhibit upon entering the museum, eager to see the striking resemblance for themselves. While some overzealous fans may be tempted to touch or kiss the statue, such actions are strictly prohibited and the carving is protected behind a screen.
The mystery of the missing nose: Despite the striking similarity to Michael Jackson, the limestone carving is actually a statue of a woman, measuring 25cm high by 35cm wide. The bust nose, or lack thereof, has been a topic of much debate. A museum curator explained that “95% of Egyptian statues and busts were desecrated by early Christians and Muslims because they were used for idolatry. They considered them idols and by removing their noses they became “non-human.”
While the statue’s true identity and purpose remain a mystery, its striking resemblance to Michael Jackson continues to captivate visitors and spark time travel theories. The bust of ancient Egypt at the Field Museum in Chicago is a testament to the enduring power of both ancient art and the icons of modern popular culture.
Connection with “Remember the Time”: Many visitors are convinced of the statue’s connection to Michael Jackson when they remember his 1993 pop hit, “Remember the Time.” The song’s music video is set in ancient Egypt, adding to the eerie coincidence of the bust’s appearance.
