By Jacqueline Engel
Detail of the Gilded Wooden Throne of Tutankhamun.
One of the two lion heads on either side of the front.
Dynasty 18, reign of Tutankhamun,
ca. 1336-3327 BC
wood, Gold Glass, Carnelian
Tomb of Tutankhamun, Antechamber JE 62028-SR 1/881-Carter 91
The rich decoration and the unparalleled craftsmanship of this piece make the throne of Tutankhamun one of the most iconic artifacts known from ancient Egypt.
The piece was extensively re-worked after its original manufacture, and it has been speculated it may originally have been made for Akhenaten.
In any case, its current form dates to the earliest years of Tutankhamun, the back panel still bearing traces of both the king’s birth name, Tutankhaten (The Living Image of the Aten) and his queen’s birth name, Ankhesenpaaten (Her Life is Aten).
Icons of the Amarna period are still to be seen on the throne, in particular the sun-disk that dominates the main scene: less obviously, flying ducks among the marshes on the rear of the backrest are typical of the period. Underneath the Aten, Tutankhamun is shown lounging on his throne while Ankhsenamun applies perfume from a cup she holds to his left shoulder. The winged cobras that make up the armrests, the two lion heads on either side of the front, and the cobra frieze on the rear served as insignias of protection for the reigning pharaoh. Between the legs of the chair the sema-tawy motif was formerly present. The intertwined lotus and papyrus stalks symbolized the unified Upper and Lower Egypt resting beneath the sovereign pharaoh. The accompanying footstool in the display was found on the seat between the armrests and is presumed to have originally been used with this throne.
Text and location: Egyptian Museum Cairo
LA CIVILTA' EGIZIA 