The spirit of Tutankhamun's sacred waters

The spirit of Tutankhamun's sacred waters

Water the lifeblood of both gods and the dead a symbol of creation played a quintessential role in sacred rituals of purification and spiritual renewal for the deceased as documented in the Pyramid Chronicles. Gods are believed to have originated from the depths of heaven and the Nile River the most important source of life is a direct symbol of rebirth. It is often called the Cup of Wishes as it is used for prayers seeking eternal happiness and an afterlife. The discovery of the Lotus Cup at the entrance to the tomb reveals this exquisite vessel made of translucent alabaster and carved with the image of a blooming lotus flower. 

A slender earthenware water vessel believed to have been used in purification rituals before burial was also found in the tomb KV 54 in the Valley of the Kings. It was used to serve flavored drinks at the funeral feasts of pharaohs. The tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun contains several items specifically designed for holding pouring or offering sacred water. A mud tray near Tutankhamun's sarcophagus served as an altar for the sacred water of the Nile. It is believed to be the mud tray used in the ritual of awakening the god Osiris using the sacred water as a symbol of life giving fluid that revitalized the pharaoh's weakened body. 

This gilded statue of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in a spear-strike pose is made of gilded wood and bronze and stands approximately 63 centimeters tall. The pharaoh wears a Lower Egyptian red crown (Deshret) and holds a spear in a ready stance. This artifact was discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb and is one of his most famous treasures.

The god of resurrection and the afterlife In addition to the four water basins archaeologists found four staffs placed around the mummy symbolizing Horus's staff waved to awaken Osiris from death. The walls of Tutankhamun's tomb KV62 depict the young king being embraced and welcomed by the green-skinned god Osiris symbolizing the journey to the afterlife. Tutankhamun's famous death mask shows him in a surreal form resembling Osiris with a mummy like form a false beard and holding a staff and club in the traditional style highlighting a unique connection and journey through the afterlife linking it to the god's journey through death to rebirth.