Describe the material that it was made from: King Tut's sarcophagus was made from various materials, since they were multiple sarcophagi inside of it. The first two sarcophagi (the protective sarcophagus and the shrine) was a layer of gilded wood, covered in a thin sheet of gold. The final sarcophagus was made purely of solid gold. In between the sarcophagi were one to two layers of linen. What might it have been used for, and who might of used it? It was used to cover, protect, and respect the King. The sarcophagus (and mummifying processes) were used by Egyptians in Ancient Egypt. Egyptians believed that the mummifying process was to preserve part of the human spirit that was always and permanently linked to the body, and the Sarcophagus was used to put the mummy in, to protect and respect the religion. What does it tell us about the technology of the time in which it was used and made? First and foremost, the amount of solid gold the sarcophagus was made from is outstanding, averaging over 3,000 pounds. This shows that it was made long ago, and that those resources were more abundant back then. The mummifying process showed about how Egyptians believed and completed this tasks; such as using Natron powder to "dry" out the mummy before wrapping it in over 4,000 square feet of linen. The technology back then was somewhat similar to today's time, but it showed many differences. What does it tell us about the life and times of the people who used and made it? It tells us about their traditions, and beliefs about their religion. For example, using the mummifying process to preserve part of their human spirit in the sarcophagus is much different from today time. The Egyptians believe that they did end their life when they died, but moved on to a different stage; therefore making the mummifying process was vital important to them. Can you name a similar item today? I would think that a coffin would be the most similar item today. The coffin and the sarcophagus are both used to preserve and to respect a dead human body.The rituals and beliefs may be very different from the Egyptians, but the coffin and the sarcophagus have the same purpose.