لخّصلي

CASKET WOOD COATED WITH STUCCO AND PAINTED HEIGHT 44 CM, LENGTH 61 CM, WIDTH 43 CM

This chest was found in the antechamber to the tomb.The chest contained a number of objects: three pairs of gold sandals, one of papyrus plant, a gilded headrest, and embroidered garments decorated with gold appliques, necklaces, belts, and shoes.The decoration is symmetrical on either side and represents the traditional theme of victory over Egypt's enemies, as Egyptian beliefs defined foreigners as inhabitants of the kingdom of chaos, the pharaoh claimed the right to intervene militarily against anyone who compromised the universal order of which he was the guarantor.Another version of the triumphal theme is found on the lid of the chest which is decorated with two hunting scenes in the desert: the sovereign

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on his chariot shoots arrows into wild animals symbolizing Egypt's enemies.

CASKET WOOD COATED WITH STUCCO AND PAINTED HEIGHT 44 CM, LENGTH 61 CM, WIDTH 43 CM

This chest was found in the antechamber to the tomb. Carter was especially struck by the quality of the painting and declared it to be one of the most valuable objects found in the tomb. The decoration is symmetrical on either side and represents the traditional theme of victory over Egypt's enemies, as Egyptian beliefs defined foreigners as inhabitants of the kingdom of chaos, the pharaoh claimed the right to intervene militarily against anyone who compromised the universal order of which he was the guarantor.

On the longer sides of the chest, the pharaoh is shown on his chariot drawn by magnificently harnessed horses. As was customary, the reins are tied around his waist and he guides the direction of the horses with his hips so as to have free use of his arms for his bow, seen here drawn ready to let fly at the enemy. The Egyptian army is depicted in order behind the pharaoh on three rows while the enemies (Syrians on one side and Nubians on the other) are shown in a chaotic and confused mass of chariots, soldiers, and horses.

On the short sides, Tutankhamun is portrayed as a sphinx trampling his northern and southern enemies. Another version of the triumphal theme is found on the lid of the chest which is decorated with two hunting scenes in the desert: the sovereign

26

on his chariot shoots arrows into wild animals symbolizing Egypt's enemies.

The chest contained a number of objects: three pairs of gold sandals, one of papyrus plant, a gilded headrest, and embroidered garments decorated with gold appliqués, necklaces, belts, and shoes. Carter had great difficulty in dealing with these items as they risked being damaged as soon as they were touched; to empty the chest required three weeks of work.