Biting the hand that feeds him: UPDATED

Tomorrow at Chicago's Field Museum in Chicago, a major special exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs, opens.

Yesterday was the exhibit's unveiling, and there were some Ancient World fireworks.

One of the show's major sponsors is the energy giant, Exelon. Its CEO, Robert Mehrberg, spoke with pride about the ancient Egyptian coffin, or sarcophagus, that he has on display in his office.

Here's the Chicago Tribune link, free registration may be required:

Zahi Hawass is the secretary general of Egypt's Council of Antiquities. And when his turn came to speak, this is what he said:

I don't think this is right. An artifact like this is not supposed to be in an office or a home, but in a museum. How can he sponsor an exhibit like King Tut and keep an artifact like this in his office?

I will see if it could be placed in a museum or returned to Egypt. And if not, I will see what action we can take.

Egypt, according to the Tribune, is expected to receive about half the gate receipts from the exhibit.

UPDATE Sat. May 27, 2006: Robert Mehrberg has agreed to loan the artifact to the Field on an indefinite basis.

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