The Throne of Tutankhamun, discovered in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt, is one of the most iconic artifacts from ancient Egypt.
Unearthed in 1922 by Howard Carter, this exquisitely crafted chair offers a glimpse into the opulence and artistry of the New Kingdom period (circa 1332–1323 BCE).
Made of wood overlaid with gold and silver, the throne is adorned with intricate inlays of colored glass, faience, and semiprecious stones, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of the time.
The throne’s design features a scene of the young pharaoh, Tutankhamun, seated while his wife, Ankhesenamun, anoints him with perfume. This intimate depiction, framed by a solar disc with protective uraeus serpents, symbolizes divine kingship and unity. The backrest is elegantly curved, supported by lion-headed legs representing strength and power. Despite its ceremonial appearance, the throne shows signs of use, suggesting it was more than a decorative piece.
Measuring approximately 1 meter high, the throne was found in the antechamber of Tomb KV62, carefully wrapped and preserved among the treasures meant to accompany Tutankhamun into the afterlife.
Today, it resides in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a testament to the pharaoh’s brief but celebrated reign and the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian artistry.
The Throne of Tutankhamun is rich with symbolism that reflects ancient Egyptian beliefs about kingship, divinity, and the cosmos. Each element of its design carries deep meaning, rooted in the culture’s religious and political ideology.
Gold and Precious Materials: The use of gold, silver, and semiprecious stones like lapis lazuli and carnelian signifies divine wealth and immortality. Gold, in particular, was associated with the sun god Ra and the eternal nature of the pharaoh, believed to be a living god on Earth. These materials underscored Tutankhamun’s divine status and his connection to the afterlife.
Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun Scene: The central depiction of Tutankhamun seated while Ankhesenamun anoints him with perfume symbolizes harmony, partnership, and the balance of male and female forces—concepts tied to the Egyptian principle of ma’at (order and justice). This intimate act also suggests the pharaoh’s vitality and legitimacy, reinforced by his queen’s support, a common motif in royal iconography to affirm dynastic stability.
Solar Disc and Uraeus Serpents: Above the royal couple, a solar disc flanked by two uraeus (cobra) serpents wearing sun discs represents protection and divine authority. The sun disc links Tutankhamun to Ra, the supreme solar deity, while the cobras—symbols of the goddess Wadjet—guard the pharaoh and assert his dominion over Upper and Lower Egypt. This imagery ties the king to cosmic order and eternal renewal.
Lion-Headed Legs: The throne’s legs, shaped as lion heads, symbolize strength, power, and protection. Lions were associated with the fierce deity Sekhmet and the pharaoh’s role as a warrior and guardian of Egypt. This motif emphasizes Tutankhamun’s might, even as a young ruler.
Curved Backrest and Royal Regalia: The gracefully curved backrest, combined with Tutankhamun’s depiction wearing the blue khepresh crown and holding a crook and flail, reinforces his royal authority. The crook (shepherding the people) and flail (dominion over the land) are traditional symbols of kingship, linking him to Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and Horus, the living king’s divine counterpart.
Cosmic and Funerary Context: Found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, the throne was intended for use in the afterlife, reflecting the belief that the pharaoh would continue his rule in the divine realm. Its placement among burial goods ties it to the journey through the underworld, with its solar and protective symbols ensuring his rebirth and eternal reign.
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