Michael Jackson fans flock to see Egyptian model 'lookalike'
Michael Jackson fans are flocking to a Chicago museum to see a 3,000 year old
Egyptian model which looks remarkably like the late king of pop.
Published: 12:03PM BST 12 Aug 2009
Egyptian Michael Jackson: The limestone statue has gaunt cheeks, glaring eyes and - most strikingly - a tipless nose.
Photo: SOLENT
Staff have been rushed off their feet since Jackson's death as thousands of
mourners visit the exhibition to pay tribute to the star.
The limestone statue has gaunt cheeks and - most strikingly - a tipless nose
It is on display at the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibition at The Field Museum in
the United States.
The bust was bought in Cairo in 1889 and has been on display at the museum for
21 years.
But its popularity has soared since
Michael Jackson's death after fans started writing about the ancient
statue on internet blogs.
The bust was carved during the New Kingdom Period, which ran between 1550 BC
to 1050 BC.
This was around the same time as famous Egyptians Ramesses and King Tut.
The museum's 4,500 daily visitors are banned from touching or kissing the
statue, which is protected behind a glass screen.
Astonished fans stand admiring the statue and discussing its likeness with
others who have travelled to see it.
Darnell Williams, the director of guest relations, said some fans were
treating a visit to the museum like a pilgrimage.
He said: "The statue has been here for years but interest has been
boosted since Michael Jackson's death.
"People are coming from all over the country to see the statue and
compare its likeness to the king of pop.
"Many see it as a pilgrimage and as a way to pay tribute to his
achievements. He had such a large influence on pop culture.
"Some fans are so desperate to see the model they are asking staff how to
get to the Egypt exhibition before they have even bought their ticket.
"They want to touch and kiss the model like it is some sort of God but it
is behind a screen to protect it from damage.
"Once people see it they are astounded and can't stop talking about its
likeness. It really is remarkable."
James Phillips, curator of near east and north african exhibits, said little
was known about the origins of the model.
He said: "The likeness is astonishing but I think it is probably a
coincidence.
"We do not believe Michael Jackson ever visited the museum or saw the
exhibit and there is therefore little chance he based his image on it.
"We believe the model is missing a nose because early Christians or
Muslims removed noses from paintings and models to make them non-human.
"This was because it was against their religion to depict human beings.
"In this case it has the effect of making it look more like Michael
Jackson.
"The model was carved during the New Kingdom Period but we do not know
who it is or why it was made because there are no hieroglyphics on it."
The music video for Jackson's 1993 hit "Remember the Time"
was set in Egypt and starred Eddie Murphy.
At the time of the video Jackson looked almost identical to the statue.
The model, simply called 'limestone statue of a woman', measures 25 cm high by
35 cm wide.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/6014942/Michael-Jackson-fans-flock-to-see-Egyptian-model-lookalike.html