Mummy of Amenhotep I
The Mummy of Amenhotep I was originally buried at Dra’ Abu el-Naga’. During the 21st Dynasty, the mummy, which was in poor condition, was moved to the Deir el-Bahari Royal Cachette (DB320). The mummy was carefully wrapped in bandages and covered with a mask, which is still in place together with garlands of flowers.
An X-ray shows that king Amenhotep I apparently died in his late forties and was perhaps 1.79 meters, or about 5 feet 10 inches, tall. The mummy’s hands, although broken off, were crossed over his chest, a posture traditionally used by all of his successors.
The mummy of Amenhotep I is unique and features one of the most exquisite and well-preserved face masks of any royal Egyptian mummy. Since the face mask is so delicate and beautiful, Amenhotep I is the only royal mummy who has not been unwrapped and studied by modern Egyptologists.
Amenhotep I was the second King of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. He ruled from about 1526 BC until his death in 1506 BC. Amenhotep I’s mummy was moved from its original resting place to the Deir el-Bahri Cachette (DB320) and hidden with other royal mummies from Egypt’s New Kingdom time period.
New Kingdom, early 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep I, ca. 1525-1504 BC. Now in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), Cairo. JE 26211
