Trumpets of Tutankhamun

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 a glimpse into the ceremonial and possibly martial traditions of the New Kingdom period.

The silver trumpet is approximately 58 centimetres long, while the bronze (or possibly copper) trumpet is slightly shorter, measuring around 50 centimetres. Both instruments are highly polished and feature intricate decorations. The silver trumpet is adorned with a floral motif near the bell and bands of incised decoration, including depictions of the god Amun-Ra. The bronze trumpet, on the other hand, has simpler yet elegant designs, featuring cartouches of Tutankhamun and symbolic imagery such as lotus flowers and solar discs.

The craftsmanship of these trumpets is extraordinary, showcasing the skill of ancient Egyptian metalworkers. The precision with which they were constructed suggests that they were not mere ornamental objects but functional instruments, capable of producing sound.

The purpose of the trumpets is a subject of much debate among historians and archaeologists. Their small size and decorative nature imply they were not used for large-scale public performances. Instead, they are believed to have been ceremonial instruments, possibly used during religious rituals, royal processions, or military events.

The inclusion of these instruments in Tutankhamun’s tomb suggests that they held symbolic significance. Trumpets in Ancient Egypt were associated with divine authority and the power of the pharaoh. The sound of the trumpet may have been thought to invoke the presence of the gods or to demonstrate the pharaoh’s dominion over his realm. Additionally, the materials used—silver and bronze—were rare and valuable, underscoring the instruments’ importance.

In 1939, more than 3,000 years after they were last played, the trumpets of Tutankhamun were heard again. During a live BBC broadcast, James Tappern, a bandsman from Prince Albert’s Own 11th Royal Hussars Regiment, was chosen to play the trumpets. The sound was haunting and powerful, echoing through the ages. However, the silver trumpet cracked during the performance, raising questions about whether the instruments were truly intended for practical use or were largely ceremonial.

The broadcast remains one of the most extraordinary moments in modern Egyptology, allowing the world to hear the music of Ancient Egypt for the first time. It also highlighted the fragility of these artefacts and underscored the risks involved in handling them.

The performance however was fraught with challenges, including the need for a modern mouthpiece due to the difficulty of playing the ancient instruments directly. There were also logistical issues like a power outage before the broadcast, which added to the drama of the event.

The event was not just a musical broadcast, but a significant cultural moment, capturing the imagination of listeners worldwide and offering a rare auditory glimpse into the ancient past.

The trumpets of Tutankhamun continue to fascinate scholars and the public alike. They are unique among the artefacts of Ancient Egypt, providing a tangible connection to the auditory world of a civilization long past. Their presence in the tomb reinforces the idea that sound and music were integral to ancient Egyptian culture, not just as entertainment but as a medium for communication with the divine and the assertion of power.

Today, the trumpets are housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where they remain a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Ancient Egypt. While their true purpose may never be fully understood, the trumpets of Tutankhamun stand as enduring symbols of the cultural richness and spiritual complexity of the pharaoh’s world.

The bronze trumpet was one of the artefacts stolen from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo during the 2011 looting and riots. However, it mysteriously reappeared at the museum several weeks later. According to Al-Ahram, Hala Hassan, the curator of the Tutankhamun collection, claimed the trumpet possessed “magical powers,” stating that “whenever someone blows into it, a war occurs.”

She explained that during a documentation and photography session, a museum staff member had blown into the trumpet, and a revolution erupted just a week later. Similar events were reportedly linked to the trumpet in the past—before the 1967 war and the 1991 Gulf War—when it was played during a student’s in-depth research on Tutankhamun’s collection.

Summary:

Tutankhamun’s Trumpets

New Kingdom, late 18th Dynasty, reign of Tutankhamun, c. 1332-1323 B.C.

From the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings, West Thebes.

Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 6200