The mummified head of Pharaoh Tutankhamun (r. 1332–1323 BC) was uncovered in 1922 within his tomb in the Valley of the Kings by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The young pharaoh’s remains were encased in three nested coffins, with his iconic golden funerary mask covering his head and shoulders. Tutankhamun, widely known as King Tut, ascended to the throne at a very young age, ruling Egypt during the New Kingdom in the 14th century BC. Although his reign lasted only about a decade, his name became famous worldwide due to the remarkable discovery of his nearly undisturbed tomb. The artifacts within, particularly the gold mask, remain symbols of the wealth and artistic achievements of ancient Egypt. His rule was marked by a restoration of traditional religious practices following the radical reforms introduced by his predecessor, Akhenaten. During an early examination of his remains, the head was separated from the body to remove the golden mask. Unlike other royal mummies, Tutankhamun’s remains have never been relocated and remain in his tomb. Scientific analysis of his bones, skull, and DNA has provided insights into his physical characteristics—he stood approximately 5’6”, had a slender frame, pronounced front teeth, and slightly rounded hips. Studies suggest he suffered from various health conditions, including malaria and a congenital bone disorder. Unfortunately, the embalming process and early handling of the mummy caused significant damage, with hardened resins contributing to its fragile state. Tutankhamun took the throne around the age of nine, relying on influential advisors such as General Horemheb and Grand Vizier Ay. Under his rule, Egypt reversed many of Akhenaten’s religious changes, allowing worship of the old gods to resume. The capital was also moved back to Thebes, and temple restorations were undertaken. His reign ended suddenly when he died at around 19 years old, possibly due to complications from malaria. He was laid to rest in the Valley of the Kings, and his successor, Ay, took the throne. For centuries, Tutankhamun’s tomb remained hidden beneath debris and later construction. By 1907, many believed there was nothing left to be found in the Valley of the Kings. However, Carter’s 1922 discovery proved otherwise. On February 17, 1923, the tomb’s seal was broken, and for the first time in over 3,200 years, a living person stepped inside. Documenting the vast collection of treasures within took Carter and his team a decade. Sadly, after its discovery, parts of the pharaoh’s chest, along with his skull cap, were looted. When researchers first examined the mummy, they faced difficulties in removing it from the coffin, as embalming resins had seeped into the wrappings, effectively gluing the body in place. To extract the remains, the torso had to be carefully cut in half at the hips, with the arms disarticulated at the shoulders, elbows, and wrists to access jewelry and other items. The limbs were later reinforced with hot paraffin wax. To free the head from the golden mask, hot knives were used to separate it from the body. A surgical incision was also made across the inner jaw and throat to study the teeth. Resin was later applied to reattach the hands and feet and stabilize the remains. These examinations, while controversial, provided valuable insights into the life, health, and burial of one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs.
