Round-Crown and Wig inlay

Both of these faïence depictions of royal headdresses date from the late 18th Dynasty to possibly early 19th Dynasty. The first, is likely to have been depicted upon the head of a late 18th Dynasty queen, and next is the round crown, as seen adorning the head of kings such as King Amenhotep III.

Lavender blue faïence with deep blue overglaze, c. 1353–1295 B.C.

The blue ringlets of the wig can be seen falling forward into a “fringe” hairstyle effect. The cascading blue ringlets caressing and bordering the forehead of the wearer. A place can be seen for the ear to protrude through the wig.

The Walters Art Museum, which currently houses this piece, writes; “The lustre of the faïence is marvellously preserved. Blue, primarily associated with lapis lazuli, was an appropriate colour for kings’ and gods’ hair and was part of the apparatus signalling them as otherworldly beings.”

Blue glazed composition wig from royal statue, c. 18th or 19th Dynasty

This round crown above, is seen adorned on king Amenhotep III in multiple reliefs from his tomb, however, this faïence crown once adorned a statue of a king, most likely depicting king Amenhotep III himself.

It showcases what the faded art from the tomb walls is perhaps lacking for modern eyes. Here we can see the vibrant blue of the Egyptian headdresses, the detailing of the ringlets and the gold adornments, signifying royalty, as if one didn’t already know the status of the wearer.

Sadly, the uraeus is missing, however, this small round-crown remnant is a significant piece from Ancient Egypt, as sadly, not one crown has ever been discovered as yet, leading to many theories as into why. Tutankhamun was buried wearing a cap crown, which sadly disintegrated shortly after his sarcophagus was opened.