Tumult in Egypt antiquities as Hawass swept aside

* Hawass's car smashed by angry antiquities workers

* His successor said forced to relinquish post

By Patrick Werr

CAIRO, July 18 (Reuters) - Egypt is struggling to find a replacement to run its antiquities ministry after the flamboyant Zahi Hawass, easily recognised by his Indiana Jones-style hat, was swept aside in a cabinet reshuffle to eject the old guard.

Hawass regularly appeared on international television, often with his feet covered in dust at the site of a dig, explaining the latest of Egypt's myriad Pharaonic ruins to be revealed.

His initial replacement, Abdel-Fattah al-Banna, came under fire for lacking archaeology credentials for the post. Appointed by Prime Minister Essam Sharaf on Sunday, he quit a day later.

Hawass had also drawn criticism at home, although he became a celebrity abroad with his documentary appearances, describing finds from various pharaonic dynasties or campaigning for the return of treasures he said had been smuggled overseas.

Archaeologists working in Egypt said Hawass had a domineering style and often took credit for work uncovered by others. He also angered those who worked under him.