Tutankhamun mask

Tutankhamun's funerary mask is one of the most iconic artifacts of Ancient Egypt, made of solid gold and lapis lazuli.

About this subject

Tutankhamun's mask was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. It was part of the pharaoh's sarcophagus; Tutankhamun died around 1323 BC. The mask weighs approximately 11 kg of solid gold and is inlaid with lapis lazuli, quartz, obsidian, and turquoise. It depicts the pharaoh's face with a false beard and a nemes headdress decorated with a cobra and a vulture, symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt.

The mask is 54 cm tall and currently displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, in the Royal Mummies Hall. It was designed to protect the pharaoh in the afterlife according to Egyptian funerary beliefs. Hieroglyphs on the back include a spell from the Book of the Dead. Interestingly, the mask was not originally made for Tutankhamun: analysis shows it was adapted from another pharaoh, likely Neferneferuaten, due to alterations in the inscriptions.

Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the few found nearly intact, containing over 5,000 funerary objects. The mask is considered a masterpiece of ancient goldsmithing and a symbol of pharaonic wealth and power. Although frequently photographed, visiting the museum allows appreciation of its polished gold details and vibrant semiprecious stones. In 2015, the mask underwent restoration after an accident where the beard was damaged, being reattached with epoxy resin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tutankhamun's mask displayed?

The mask is housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, in the Royal Mummies Hall. It is one of the museum's main attractions.

Why is Tutankhamun's mask so famous?

It is famous for its craftsmanship in solid gold, its semiprecious stones, and for being one of the few intact royal artifacts found in a pharaoh's tomb.

Has the mask ever been damaged?

Yes, in 2014 the mask's beard was broken off during cleaning. It was restored in 2015 with epoxy resin, though the incident sparked controversy over the methods.