15 Ancient Artifacts Unearthed in King Tutankhamun's Burial Site

Despite his immense fame, Tutankhamun was merely a young ruler, passing away at the age of 19 in 1323 BCE after a short reign of nine years. In the grand tapestry of Egyptian history, he was a relatively insignificant king, though still revered as a divine figure like all pharaohs.

Tutankhamun's enduring legacy in the public eye is largely due to a fortunate twist of fate. While most royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings were looted shortly after their creation, Tut’s burial site remained concealed under a workers' settlement constructed not long after his death. This secrecy preserved its riches until 1922, when Howard Carter uncovered a staircase leading to the untouched seal of Tut’s tomb.

Although Tutankhamun was not a major political figure, his divine status during Egypt's New Kingdom—a period of prosperity—was evident in his elaborate tomb. Filled with thousands of luxurious items to ensure his comfort in the afterlife, it took Carter eight years to excavate and document every artifact. These treasures are now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Below are some standout pieces from the collection.

1. The Iconic Burial Mask of Tutankhamun

Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, Tutankhamun's burial mask is a masterpiece of artistry, featuring intricate inlays and elegant, flowing contours that depict an idealized image of the young pharaoh. In early 2015, it was reported that the mask's beard—a symbol of royalty worn by all pharaohs, including female rulers—had been accidentally broken off and improperly reattached using epoxy, causing damage. It was subsequently restored using traditional beeswax.

2. Anubis Statue

Anubis, the deity with the head of a jackal—shown here in full canine form—was believed to guide souls to the afterlife. He also played a crucial role in mummification and was considered a guardian of tombs.

3. Ancient Headrest

In today’s world of memory foam pillows, an ivory headrest might appear uncomfortable—but it might feel more inviting when Shu, the god of air and wind, is believed to cradle your head. These headrests were a staple in Egyptian tombs, serving as a vital item for the resting occupants.

4. Canopic Jars

Among the treasures in Tutankhamun's tomb were canopic jars designed to hold his internal organs, which were carefully removed during the mummification process. The ancient Egyptians believed these organs were essential for the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife. Each jar features a stopper carved in the likeness of Tut's face.

5. Tutankhamun's Fan

Egypt's climate is scorching. If you’re a divine ruler, your fan isn’t just ordinary—it’s adorned with gold, intricate inlays, and features your name inscribed in a royal cartouche.

6. Senet Game

Who says a pharaoh can’t indulge in a classic board game? By the time Senet, meaning “passing,” was placed in Tutankhamun’s tomb, it had been a beloved pastime in Egypt for nearly 1800 years and symbolized the transition from life to the afterlife. The game was cherished across all social classes. While its exact rules remain a mystery, scholars have proposed plausible theories about how it might have been played.

7. Golden Leopard Head

Though charming in appearance, leopards were revered by Egyptian royalty for their ferocity and were imported from southern Africa. The hieroglyph of a leopard head symbolized strength and was often linked to words conveying power.

8. Hunting Throwing Sticks

The throwing sticks discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb, shown here as replicas in a German exhibit, were likely intended for hunting birds in the afterlife.

9. Statue of Ptah, the Divine Creator

Ptah, often referred to as “the beautiful face,” “the lord of truth,” “the master of justice,” and “the lord of eternity,” was a creator deity and the protector of artisans and architects—the very individuals responsible for constructing Tutankhamun’s tomb and its treasures.

10. Scarab Pendant with Solar Symbolism

No creature is more emblematic of ancient Egypt than the scarab. These beetles were immensely popular among Egyptians, and countless examples have been discovered. A scarab from Tutankhamun’s tomb is linked to the sun god Ra—specifically in his form as Khepri, the scarab-headed deity of the rising sun—and is adorned with the wings of Horus, the god of the sky.

11. The King’s Chariot

Tutankhamun’s chariot was disassembled before being placed in his tomb but has since been reconstructed for exhibition. (This image shows a replica from a German exhibit.) While some experts speculate that Tut died from a chariot accident, it is more probable that illness or another mishap led to his demise.

12. Young Tutankhamun

This childhood representation of Tutankhamun showcases unique features influenced by both artistic style and genetics. Tut’s father, Akhenaten, shocked polytheistic Egypt by promoting the worship of Aten as the sole deity. He also embraced a more naturalistic artistic approach, inadvertently documenting his family’s genetic peculiarities, such as unusually shaped skulls, which were perpetuated through generations of close intermarriage. Tut’s parents may have been siblings.

13. Intricate Battle Scene Painting

Throughout history, rulers have often sought to immortalize themselves by showcasing their victories in battle—whether real or depicted in art. One painting in Tutankhamun’s tomb portrays him on his chariot, aiming a crossbow at enemy soldiers (possibly Syrian), with a decapitated head lying beneath his horse. Another chilling scene shows Tut receiving the severed hands of his foes.

14. Fragrance Container

The alabaster vessels discovered in Tut’s tomb were filled with costly perfumed oils. Carter noted that the interiors bore the “fingerprints of thieves.” This particular vessel features Hapi, the intersex fertility god associated with the Nile’s annual flood, depicted in dual form with a potbelly and prominent breasts.

15. The Boy King Tutankhamun

Recent studies of Tutankhamun’s mummy, as well as those of his renowned relatives, have revealed fascinating insights into their lives. Tut was likely frail and unwell, suffering from a club foot and malaria. He had two daughters with his half-sister, both of whom were stillborn.