
12/02/2024
The gold mask of Tutankhamun, exhibited in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (JE 60672, upper floor), represents a culmination of artistic and technical achievement of ancient Egyptian civilization during the New Kingdom period. This meticulously crafted artifact captures the facial likeness of the youthful monarch, designed with the intention of enabling his soul to recognize and return to his mummified remains, thus facilitating his resurrection. Discovered by Howard Carter in 1925 within tomb KV62, located in the Valley of the Kings, the mask remained undisturbed for more than 3,000 years. Initially, it covered the head of the wrapped mummy placed within its coffin and was imbued with a protective incantation, specifically spell no. 151b from the Book of the Dead, which was believed to offer additional safeguarding for the king's corporeal form. Adorning the brow of the mask is the uraeus, featuring the Wadjet, or rising cobra, which symbolizes Lower Egypt, complemented by the vulture Nekhbet representing Upper Egypt. This duality conveys the sovereign's authority over both regions, reminiscent of the themes of control illustrated on the Narmer Palette.