Granulation earrings of Tutankhamun
The granulation earrings of Tutankhamun are not only exquisite exemplars of Ancient Egyptian goldsmithing, but also serve as a window into the artistic and cultural sophistication of the 18th Dynasty during the New Kingdom, circa 1332–1323 B.C.
These earrings are particularly distinguished by their use of the granulation technique—an advanced method wherein minute spheres of gold are affixed to a surface to form elaborate patterns. Although the origins of this craft can be traced back to the Middle Kingdom, it flourished with remarkable finesse during the New Kingdom, as seen in the adornments of royalty. The method demanded exceptional dexterity and care, with each bead meticulously placed and fused by skilled hands—testament to the remarkable expertise of Egyptian artisans.
Crafted not only in gold but adorned with lapis lazuli—a semiprecious stone esteemed for its deep celestial blue, often linked with divinity and kingship—the earrings also incorporate faience, a glazed ceramic material used to mimic more precious substances. These materials imbued the ornaments with both aesthetic grandeur and symbolic resonance, reflecting the Ancient Egyptian belief in the power of colour and material to convey spiritual meaning.
Beyond their ornamental beauty, the earrings—like much of the funerary jewellery interred with the young pharaoh—were intended to serve a vital role in the afterlife. The Egyptians believed that such objects held protective qualities and would assist the deceased in navigating the perilous journey through the underworld. Jewellery was not merely decoration; it functioned as a talisman, safeguarding the soul and ensuring the continuation of the individual’s power and comfort in eternity.
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by the British archaeologist Howard Carter was among the most extraordinary archaeological achievements of the modern era. Remarkably preserved and largely undisturbed by looters, the tomb yielded over 5,000 objects—ranging from ceremonial chariots and ornate thrones to weapons, food offerings, and finely wrought jewellery. This unprecedented find has illuminated our understanding of royal life, material culture, and religious ideology in Ancient Egypt.
Though Tutankhamun ascended the throne as a boy of approximately nine years and ruled for less than a decade, his burial reflects the wealth and ceremonial sophistication of the period. Despite his youth and the brevity of his reign, the contents of his tomb suggest that the royal court spared no expense in honouring him with all the grandeur befitting a king of Egypt.
Importantly, his burial also marks a poignant moment in Egypt’s religious history. His father, Akhenaten, had ushered in a controversial and radical shift by instituting monotheistic worship of the sun disc, Aten. However, under Tutankhamun’s rule, guided by court officials and priests—the traditional pantheon and religious orthodoxy were restored. Though the young king’s personal involvement in these reforms was likely minimal, the artefacts within his tomb reflect a return to conventional iconography and devotional practices.
Among these sacred and splendid relics, the granulation earrings stand as both an artistic triumph and a spiritual emblem. Whether still housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum or within the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (Catalogue No. JE 61972), their legacy endures, not merely as golden ornaments, but as profound expressions of a civilisation’s belief in beauty, eternity, and divine order.
From the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings, West Thebes. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, reign of Tutankhamun, c. 1332–1323 B.C.
