THE GOLDEN MASK

This close-up view of the famous golden mask, which adorned the mummy of the boy king, Tutankhamun, illustrates the superb artistry of the Egyptian craftsmen. Their attention to detail has allowed this mask to come to life for us.

Beaten and burnished in gold, the stripes of the headdress are made of blue glass in imitation of lapis lazuli, and the same materials have been used for the inlay of the plaited false beard. The vulture's head upon the brow, symbolizing sovereignty over Upper Egypt, is made of solid gold, apart from the beak, which is made of horn-colored glass. By its side is the cobra, symbolizing sovereignty over Lower Egypt. Its body is made of solid gold, its head of dark blue faience.