Quartz Head of a Female Royal

This head of an Amarna Period female royal was found within the remnants of the workshop of the sculptor Thutmose. Sculpted from quartz with traces of pigment upon the lips and eyes, the face is that of a young female, possibly and likely a daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, but there is a possibility it may be a depiction of Akhenaten’s secondary wife Kiya.

Thutmose’s Workshop

Thutmose’s workshop was discovered in early December 1912 by a German archaeological expedition led by Ludwig Borchardt. The workshop was located in what is now known as Amarna, previously called Akhetaten, the then new capital established by Akhenaten. The workshop was identified as belonging to Thutmose due to an ivory horse blinker found in a pit in the courtyard, which was inscribed with Thutmose’s name and title. The building was clearly a sculptor’s workshop, which supported the logical connection to Thutmose, whose occupation was listed as “sculptor”.

Thutmose, however, was not just any sculptor, but was known and titled as “The King’s Favourite and Master of Works,” and such remains so, as his workshop has provided significant insights into Ancient Egyptian art and skill, particularly the Amarna style and age.

Thutmose’s workshop was located in the southern suburb of Akhetaten. Specifically, the workshop is identified today as House P47.1-3, situated in the far end of this southern suburb. This location is near other workshops that produced items for the temples and palaces within the city.

Constructed primarily from mud brick, with some elements possibly in stone or wood for structural support or decoration, the atelier of Thutmose included various rooms, some of which were used for living quarters, while others served as workspaces. There were rooms where sculpting was evidently done, with findings of sculptural fragments and tools. Specific areas were used for storing works in progress or completed sculptures, like the room where the Nefertiti bust was found. There was even a central courtyard, typical of Amarna houses, which, in this case, included a pit where significant findings like the horse blinker with Thutmose’s name were discovered.

Approximately 50 sculptures, including plaster study portraits, were found. These include life-sized heads of Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and other members of the royal family like Kiya, Amenhotep III, and possibly Ay. These plaster models were used for creating consistent royal portraits, showing the detailed preparation and technique of ancient sculptors. Undoubtedly, the most famous find, is the polychrome bust of Queen Nefertiti which was discovered on the floor of a storeroom. It’s regarded as one of the finest examples of Ancient Egyptian art, showcasing the innovative Amarna style. Various other sculptures and fragments were unearthed, providing insight into the range of Thutmose’s work and the artistic practices of the time.

The Daughters of Akhenaten & Nefertiti

Akhenaten and Nefertiti had six daughters together. The daughters played significant roles in the religious and political life of the Amarna period.

Meritaten, the eldest daughter, her name means “She who is beloved of Aten.” Some propose she was possibly to the mysterious ruler Smenkhkare, who briefly ruled after Akhenaten.

Meketaten, the second daughter, whose name translates to “Behold the Aten” or “Protected by Aten.” She is believed to have died young. Her death is depicted in emotional reliefs, where Akhenaten and Nefertiti are shown mourning over her body.

Ankhesenpaaten (later Ankhesenamun) was the third daughter, her name translates to “She lives through Aten.” She is known for later marrying her half-brother Tutankhamun (originally named Tutankhaten) and becoming Ankhesenamun.

Neferneferuaten Tasherit was the fourth daughter, her name means “Beautiful are the beauties of Aten, the younger.” She is less documented compared to her older sisters but is known through reliefs and inscriptions. She is named after her mother, Neferneferuaten Nefertiti.

Neferneferure, was the fifth daughter of the royal couple, her name means “Beautiful are the beauties of Re.” Like her sister Neferneferuaten Tasherit, she is mentioned in various reliefs, but less is known about her life.

Setepenre is believed to be the youngest daughter, her name means “Chosen of Re.” She is also less documented, with her existence only confirmed through reliefs and inscriptions from the period.

As previously mentioned, Meketaten is thought to have died around Year 14 of Akhenaten’s reign, which would be approximately 1337-1336 B.C.

The cause of her death is not definitively known, but there are several theories. One prevalent theory is that Meketaten died during or shortly after childbirth. This is suggested by reliefs in the royal tomb at Amarna where she is depicted in scenes mourning her death, with some interpretations suggesting she was in childbirth at the time of her death or shortly before.

Another theory posits that she might have died from a plague or epidemic that affected the royal family, as there were several deaths among the nobility and royal household during this period.

The exact cause remains speculative because the historical records from this period are sparse and open to interpretation. However, the depiction of Akhenaten and Nefertiti in deep mourning over Meketaten’s body in the royal tomb’s reliefs strongly indicates her death was a significant event in the royal family.

Summary:

Quartz head of an Amarna royal female, with traces of red pigment on the lips and black on the eyes and nostrils

Measurements: 11 x 6,8 x 8.5 cm

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1353–1336 or 1351–1334 B.C.

From Tel el-Amarna. The remnants of the sculptor Thutmose’s workshop. Room 19.

Ägyptisches Museum. ÄM 21245