The outermost coffin of Tutankhamun is significant artifact from ancient Egypt. It is the three that were originally placed one inside the other in the Tomb of Tutankhamun. It was found inside the outer gilded coffin. It was designed to encase the innermost coffin and provide additional protection for the mummified body of Tutankhamun. The...
It is the oldest extant depiction of the act of circumcision from Ancient Egypt. Here is a line-art version of the depiction, which appears on the east thickness of a doorway in the tomb. A bas-relief from Mastaba of Ankhmahor depicting mortuary priests using flint knives to perform the rite of circumcision on a group...
The military trumpet of Tutankhamun is one of three known examples of this instrument preserved from ancient Egypt. It was fashioned from metal sheets covered with gold. The mouthpiece is in the shape of a cylindrical sleeve with a silver ring at the outer end, fixed to a tube. On the outside of the bell...
This statue represents King Amenhotep II protected by the goddess Meretseger. He is standing with his left leg striding forward, wearing the white Hedjet crown of Upper Egypt, and with a uraeus emerging from his forehead. Each foot stands on the image of the nine bows, which represent the combined enemies of Egypt. The cartouche...
This headrest of Tutankhamun is similar in shape to a folding stool. Headrests were used in ancient Egypt and are still used in some African regions to protect the head of the sleeper and ease the circulation of air around the head in the hot summer nights. Although it may seem uncomfortable, headrests are still...
This elegant, tiny amulet of beaten gold in the shape of a human-headed bird represents the Ba. It symbolizes the immortal soul, which is invoked to come back after death and “to attach itself to its corpse in the god’s domain,” according to the Book of the Dead, Spell number 89. It was charged with...
The linen gloves of king Tutankhamun is the same as a modern gloves. A glove would be in the shape of the hand and have five fingers like this one, or two fingers like another one that was found belonging to the same king in his tomb. The tiny gloves were among the clues that...
This marvelous model sickle of King Tutankhamun is made of gilded wood and decorated with the cartouches of the king, bearing his birth and throne names. The serrated blades are made of colored glass. The sickle was probably used for ceremonies in which the king himself took part during Peret, the annual harvest feast. The...
This pectoral was found in the chapel of Anubis within the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62); it shows the goddess Nut in human form with her wings and arms outstretched, protecting the cartouches of Tutankhamun. Below her wings can be seen eight rows of hieroglyphs, again related to protection by the gods. The pectoral is surmounted...
The sculpture shows king Khafre enthroned, wearing the royal headdress, known as the nemes, and a false beard, both of which were symbols of kingship in ancient Egypt. It is is considered one of the iconic masterpieces of ancient Egyptian art. Immensely famous ever since its discovery and is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and...
