ProvenioArt Intelligence
Sign InExplore
new kingdom egypt amarnanew kingdom egypt

Tutankhamun's Gold Death Mask

Gold and lapis lazuli funerary mask (c. 1323 BCE) of the pharaoh Tutankhamun (18th Dynasty, New Kingdom Egypt). Discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 in the innermost burial chamber of Tomb KV62, Valley of the Kings. Held at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

Scholarly Significance

Anchor the Egyptian New Kingdom cluster with Tutankhamun's Gold Death Mask, the most iconic object of ancient Egyptian art and a key monument of royal funerary tradition.

Notes

  • ·Discovered by Howard Carter on 28 October 1925 (three years after the initial 1922 tomb opening) as the innermost of three nested coffins.
  • ·The mask covered the head and shoulders of the royal mummy. Made of gold approximately 2 mm thick, inlaid with glass, semi-precious stones, and faience.
  • ·The face is an idealised portrait of Tutankhamun: blue-and-gold nemes headdress (striped linen), false beard (divine attribute), broad collar, vulture and cobra (Nekhbet and Wadjet — symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt) on the forehead.
  • ·Eyes are inlaid with obsidian (pupils), quartz (whites), and lapis lazuli (kohl lines). The whites give the impression of lifelike gaze.
  • ·Inside the mask is inscribed Spell 151b from the Book of the Dead — a protective incantation identifying each part of the mask with a deity.
  • ·Tutankhamun reigned c. 1332–1323 BCE (18th Dynasty). He died aged approximately 18–19 years; cause of death uncertain (genetic disease, malaria, injury — all proposed).
  • ·Currently displayed at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. Due to transfer to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza (under construction) — location may change.
  • ·In 2015 the mask was briefly removed from display for restoration after the blue inlaid beard was improperly reattached with epoxy by museum staff following accidental damage.