Tut Exhibit - King Tutankhamun Exhibit, Collection: Jewelry - Pectoral Representing Ra-Harakhty representing King Tutankhamun

The Tutankhamun Exhibit

Jewelry and Ornamentation

Pectoral Representing Ra-Harakhty

Ra-Harakhty is represented on this gold pectoral in the form of a falcon with the sun's disk. Though essentially similar, the two representations differ in detail and illustrate the ingenuity of the Egyptian jeweler in devising variations on a single theme. On this one, the flacon's headis shown full face, an uncommon style of presentation, but not without parallel in Tutankhamun's jewelry; traces of inlay remain in the eye sockets. Above the center of the head and backed by the carnelian sun's disk is an uraeus of gold. The predominant inlay of the wings and tail is lapis lazuli; a small amount of carnelian has also been used, mainly at the tips. Beneath the open scale goldwork cage of the body lies a green material that may be nephrite, but it is also possible that it is glass. The same material seems to have been used for the bird's "trousers". In each talon it holds the shen sign inlaid with red and blue glass. Another figure of a falcon is chased on the back of the piece.

This pectoral was suspended on a plaited gold chain at the top of which were two carnelian beads and a heart-shaped pendant inlaid with polychrome glass and partly encased in gold. On the front of the heart is the king's throne name flanked by two uraei, both of which are outlined by minute gold granules. On the back, the plain gold surface is engraved with the king's personal name set between uraei.

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