Mask of Tutankhamun
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The mask of Tutankhamun is a gold funerary mask that belonged to Tutankhamun, who reigned over the New Kingdom of Egypt from 1332 BC to 1323 BC, during the Eighteenth Dynasty. After being buried with
Cairo Eg Museum Taa Mask Mostly Photographed
Back of the mask
The gold mask in situ, 1925
The mask on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum, 2026
Lapis lazuli
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Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone that has been prized since antiquity for its intense color. Its name originates from the Persian word for the gem, lāžward, a
Mask of Tutankhamun
…because all the 18th Dynasty's rulers wore earrings during their period of rule." The mask is inlaid with coloured glass and gemstones, including lapis lazuli (the eye surrounds and eyebrows), quartz (the eyes), obsidian (the pupils), carnelian, amazonite, turquoise, and faience. When it was discovered in…
Lapis lazuli in its natural state, with pyrite inclusions (specimen from Afghanistan)
Lapis lazuli seen through a microscope (x240 magnification)
Crystals of lazurite (the main mineral in lapis lazuli) from the Sar-i Sang Mining District in Afghanistan
A polished block of lapis lazuli