The burial of Tutankhamun was remarkable not merely for its golden splendour but also for the unusual arrangement of his coffins. Within the stone sarcophagus rested a set of three anthropoid coffins, nested one inside the other like precious reliquaries, each fashioned with exquisite craftsmanship and layered symbolism. The second coffin, which encased the innermost...
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter was one of the most extraordinary archaeological events of the 20th century, unveiling a treasure trove of artefacts that shed light on ancient Egyptian life and culture. Among these treasures were two remarkable trumpets, one made of silver and the other of bronze, each offering...
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...
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...
Forged in radiant gold and inlaid with the deep blue of lapis lazuli, this exquisite scarab bracelet is among the most intimate treasures of Tutankhamun. Two hinged semicircles clasp neatly around the wrist, their central plaque bearing the sacred beetle of rebirth, crafted in cloisonné enamel that still glows with celestial intensity. The scarab beetle...
This solid chair is an everyday piece of furniture that was found in the room called the “Antechamber” in the tomb of Tutankhamun. It has been suggested that the king used it when he was a child. It is made of ebony inlaid with ivory and embellished with gold panels on the arms that are...
This exquisite wooden chair, found among the treasures of Tutankhamun, radiates both royal grace and divine symbolism. The frame is of cedar wood (a prized import from Lebanon) joined with mortise-and-tenon carpentry and richly gilded. Ebony veneers and ivory inlays accent its surface, while traces of blue faience and coloured glass once added further brilliance....
This exquisite alabaster cosmetic jar, once used for unguents or perfumes, is a remarkable example of the refined craftsmanship of Tutankhamun’s era. Its most striking feature is the lid, adorned with a finely sculpted recumbent lion, its mouth agape with an ivory tongue protruding—an unusual and expressive detail. Encircling the jar are intricate scenes depicting...
