Ivory Jewellery Box
GEM Number
250
Collection
Tutankhamun Galleries
Period
New Kingdom
Description
This small box was found in the Antechamber. It is constructed from blocks and panels of solid ivory. The back is decorated with a lotus capital column symbolising Upper Egypt and there are two gold knobs, gold hinges and gold feet. The king’s names are carved on the front and in a band running across the top. A line of hieratic text in black ink on the lid says: ‘gold rings for the funeral procession’. Boxes were used for storage in ancient Egypt and Tutankhamun’s tomb included more than fifty examples. Small ones like this often held jewellery, cosmetics or other personal items.
Region
Upper Egypt
Area
Luxor
Ivory
Height
13.8 cm
Width
12 cm
Length
15.7 cm