Small Statue Shrine Detail

Howard Carter discovered this small golden chest in the shape of an ancient shrine in the Antechamber of the tomb; it is made of wood covered in sheet gold, and the base was plated in sliver. A wooden stand with a gold-plated back support stood inside, but the statuette it originally supported no longer exists; carved footprints for it are still visible on the base. Scenes on the insides and outsides of its walls, back, and the doors depict the king and queen in a variety of activities, some of which may be associated with festivals, sexuality and coronation.

Dynasty 18, reign of Tutankhamun 1332–1322 BCE

Photo: Andreas F. Voegelin, Antikenmuseum Basel and Sammlung Ludwig