Cairo Museum

Sphinx of King Amenemhat III

Sphinx of Amenemhat III

The granite sphinx of Amenemhat III was discovered at Tanis (today San al-Haggar). It shows Amenemhat III with a human face and a lion’s body, in other words, a perfect creature, as intelligent as a human being yet as strong as a lion. Seven sphinxes of Amenemhat III were found in Tanis in the eastern...

Relief of King Senusret III

This decorative lintel relief with hieroglyphs identify king Senusret III wearing the crown of Lower Egypt (left) and the crown of Upper Egypt (right) during the Heb Sed. Horus and Seth on standards give million years of life to the king. Sed festivals were jubilees celebrated after a ruler had held the throne for thirty...

Ka Statue of King Hor Awibre

Ka Statue of King Hor

King Hor (also known as Hor Awibre or Hor I)’s reign was relatively brief at an estimated two years, and falls within the late Middle Kingdom or Second Intermediate Period, a time marked by political fragmentation and a decline in central authority following the strong rule of the 12th Dynasty. Despite his short reign, the...

Model of a Carpentry Workshop

Model of a Carpentry Workshop

This model from Meketre’s funerary furniture shows some carpenters in their carpentry workshop. They are busy with woodworking of various kinds. One carpenter in the middle is sawing a piece of wood while other workmen are working around the sides holding hoes. A carpenter sits in the middle of the scene and uses a mallet...

Head of King Amenhotep III

Head of Amenhotep III

In this portrait head, King Amenhotep III is portrayed with the features of a young boy; he has a round full face, almond-shaped eyes, curved eyebrows, a small nose and a fleshy mouth. These features determine that the head belonged to the so-called “second group” of portraits of Amenhotep III, from the last years of...

Statue of Hathor Protecting Psamtik

This schist statue depicts goddess Hathor protecting Psamtik who is standing in a posture of prayer, with the seal of his profession as chief scribe hanging from his neck. Psamtik is standing beneath the figure of a cow representing the goddess Hathor. She was the goddess of love, music, and motherhood. Here Hathor wears her...

Gold Jewelry of Princess Khenmet

Jewelry of Princess Khenmet

These items of jewelry belonging to Princess Khenmet are made with the decorative cloisonné technique of applied gold threads and tiny beads that was very popular outside Egypt, particularly in Syria and the area of the Aegean. The first chain has a pendant of a spotted heifer in a round border in blue enamel. This...

Golden Throne of Tutankhamun

Golden Throne of Tutankhamun

The golden throne of Tutankhamun is a unique work of art. It is considered to be one of the most significant and well-preserved pieces of furniture from ancient Egypt. Its colors have not faded over three thousand years, which serves as a testament to the high skill of the ancient Egyptian craftsmen. The luxurious armchair...

Duck Bracelet of King Ramesses II

Duck Bracelet of Ramesses II

This solid gold bracelet of Ramesses II is composed of two parts, linked on one side by a hinge and on the other by a clasp. The broader upper part of the bracelet is decorated with a double-headed duck. The body consists of a large chunk of lapis lazuli framed by broad bands of gold...

Sarcophagus of Prince Thutmose’s Cat Ta-Miu

Sarcophagus of Prince Thutmose’s Cat Ta Miu

Prince Thutmose is best remembered for the limestone sarcophagus of his beloved cat, Ta-miu (she-cat). The body of this sarcophagus is completely decorated with scenes, while the lid is inscribed with hieroglyphs. It shows the cat sitting before an offering table heaped with goodies for the afterlife. It seems that her owner, Crown Prince Thutmose,...