Cairo Museum

Head of King Senusret III

Head of Senusret III

In this sculpture from a statue, the head of king Senusret III was no more considered to be a divinity, but a human being. This is reflected in the king’s face, which has wrinkles, a pouting mouth and a protruding chin. All these show old age, a serious nature and weariness. On his head he...

Double Statue of Nimaatsed

The statue of Nimaatsed shares one base and are nearly identical but differ slightly in height. His hands are by his sides and he holds the two small rods of dignity. On his head he wears a short, large wig that leaves his ears uncovered. His eyelids, eyebrows, and fine mustache are painted in black....

Relief of King Sneferu in Sinai

Relief of King Sneferu in Sinai

This relief tells us of the victory of king Sneferu over the Bedouins, a military campaign that was also common since the times of king Sanakht and which secured the mines for turquoise and copper in Wadi Nash and Wadi Maghareh, West Sinai. The relief which is made of sandstone shows Sneferu on a large...

Diadem of Princess Sithathoriunet

When Flinders Petrie and Guy Brunton explored the shaft tomb of Princess Sithathoriunet in 1914 (located in the funerary complex of Senusret II at El Lahun), they found little apart from her red granite sarcophagus and a set of canopic jars, the vessels which accompanied each burial to house the internal organs. Then they discovered...

Canopic Shrine of King Tutankhamun

Canopic Shrine of Tutankhamun

Inside this imposing and elaborate gilded canopic shrine was the alabaster chest that contained the four canopic miniature coffins. At each side of this shrine stands an elegant statue of one of the four female divinities in charge of protecting the deceased king, their faces turned slightly to one side and their arms stretched out...

Silver Coffin of Psusennes I

Silver Coffin of Psusennes I

The lid of this silver mummy-shaped coffin portrays King Psusennes I as a mummy. His arms crossed over his chest holding the flail and the scepter. There is a solid gold uraeus, or royal cobra, on his forehead to protect him. The face is decorated with a band of gold across the forehead; the eyes...

Block Statue of Hor, Son of Ankhkhonsu

Block Statue of Hor, Son of Ankhkhonsu

This block statue belonged to a person called Hor, who was a priest of Montu. It was consecrated to him in the domain of Karnak by his grandson, also called Hor. The dedication of this statue in the temple ensured that Hor would stay forever near the god of the temple and receive a part...

Statue of King Amenemhat III as Hapi

Statue of Amenemhat III as Hapi

This double statue of Amenemhat III as Hapi, the Nile god, was discovered at Tanis, capital of the 21st Dynasty Kings, however, the two male figures are clearly portraits of the 12th Dynasty king Amenemhat III. They are carved with perfect symmetry, offering fish, birds, and aquatic plants. Both wear heavy wigs with large braids,...

Head of Emperor Severus Alexander

Head of Emperor Severus Alexander

This Roman-style sculpted head is a portrait of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Alexander Severus. He has a short beard and short hair that is carved in vertical lines. He has inset eyes and a fleshy mouth. The neck on this statue is most likely not the original one. The statue is polished except for the hair....

Seated Statue of Senusret I

Seated Statue of Senusret I

This statue is one of ten, made out of white limestone, depicting King Senusret I seated on his throne wearing the nemes headdress decorated with the uraeus or rearing cobra. The statues differ slightly from one another and bear the harmonious features of a young man with a serene expression.  The most remarkable thing about...