The meaning of four objects found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb may have been discovered more than a century after they were unearthed in Egypt. A recent study published in the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology suggests that a collection of seemingly mundane objects actually played a pivotal role in the rituals to guarantee the young pharaoh’s transformation and rebirth in the afterlife.
Whilst Tutankhamun’s tomb has provided significant insight into funeral practices, certain objects continue to be reinterpreted. The focus of the new study was on a collection of four clay trays with simple designs, measuring roughly 7.5 by 4.0 by 1.2cm. They were found on top of reeds in a corner of the tomb when Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered the chamber in 1922. Other items present included chariots, furniture, alabaster vessels, and coffins.
Nicholas Brown, study author and Egyptologist at Yale University, said the “mud trays” were too small to have been used as the bases for large staffs.
Instead, he claimed they were used in a funeral ritual dedicated to Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife.
In ancient Egyptian religion, Osiris was killed by his brother Seth and then resurrected by his son Horus. It was believed that when people died they went through the underworld to be judged by Osiris.
The objects were compared to similar artefacts found in the Valley of the Kings – a burial site containing many Egyptian pharaohs.
Brown told Live Science: “The whole burial chamber seems to be set up to recreate a funerary rite known from later times called ‘the Awakening of Osiris’.”
The clay troughs may have been used to represent cardinal directions and “symbolically surround the deceased for protection”, he added.
Brown told Artnet: “Iterations of this Awakening of Osiris ritual existed in early periods of Egyptian history. The whole burial chamber seems to be set up to recreate a funerary rite that combines these previous rituals and some new ones.
“Tutankhamun and the officials acting on his behalf had the opportunity to adapt, alter and change royal funerary practice and bring back Osiris into the picture.”
