Ostrich Hunt Fan
GEM Number
Collection
Period
Dynasty
Description
This fan was found in the Burial Chamber. Upon its discovery, a mass of debris of insect-eaten ostrich feathers were found with it. Although they could not be saved, there was enough left to show that there had been alternating brown and white feathers. Texts on the fan palm (head) and stock (handle) describe how the feathers were obtained through hunting ostriches in the eastern desert of Iwnw (Heliopolis). On one side, Tutankhamun, accompanied by his hunting dog, races his chariot towards fleeing ostrich with his bow and arrow ready to fire. On the other side, he is shown returning at a slower pace with two attendants carrying dead ostriches.