Outermost Coffin of Tutankhamun
The outermost coffin of Tutankhamun is a remarkable artifact that reflects the wealth, artistry, and religious devotion of Ancient Egypt. It was the first of three coffins encasing the pharaoh’s mummified body, discovered in the intact burial chamber of his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. This coffin served as the initial protective layer for the young king and is an extraordinary testament to the care taken to ensure his safe journey to the afterlife.
The coffin is anthropoid, crafted primarily from gilded wood and adorned with inlays of coloured glass and semi-precious stones. It depicts Tutankhamun as Osiris, the god of the afterlife, with his arms crossed over his chest, holding the crook and flail. These symbols of kingship highlight his divine authority and his role as a ruler both in life and in the afterlife. The gold-covered surface symbolizes eternity and immortality, a belief central to ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
The most striking feature of the outermost coffin is the pharaoh’s nemes headdress, an iconic representation of royal authority. It is flanked by a cobra (uraeus) and a vulture, symbolizing the protective goddesses Wadjet and Nekhbet. These emblems represent the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt and were believed to safeguard the king on his journey through the afterlife. The headdress and intricate detailing of the coffin emphasize the religious and political significance of Tutankhamun’s role as a divine ruler.
Despite its grandeur, the coffin reveals signs of rushed craftsmanship, possibly due to Tutankhamun’s sudden death at a young age. Some elements appear less refined compared to the innermost coffin, which suggests that the artisans may have worked under time constraints to prepare his burial. Nevertheless, the overall artistry of the outer coffin demonstrates the skill and devotion of Egyptian craftsmen and their commitment to honouring their king.
The outermost coffin was designed not only as a protective casing but also as a spiritual vessel, ensuring Tutankhamun’s safe passage to eternity. It highlights the ancient Egyptians’ profound belief in the afterlife and their dedication to preserving the legacy of their pharaohs. Today, the outer coffin stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural richness of Ancient Egypt, captivating scholars and visitors alike with its beauty and historical significance.
Tutankhamun, the boy king of Ancient Egypt, was buried in a set of three nested coffins, a practice that emphasized the sanctity of the deceased and reflected the opulence of his burial. These coffins were discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, within the innermost chamber of the tomb (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings.
New Kingdom, late 18th Dynasty, reign of Tutankhamun, ca. 1332-1323 BC. From the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings, West Thebes. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 60670
