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Cairo - Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

"Marc had organised a tour for us at the Museum which was fantastic
because we didn’t think we would be able to get there and I am so glad we did
There was a lot of people there but it didn’t matter
- we were all pretty tired but we did try to take in what our guide was saying"

THE GOLD MASK OF TUTANKHAMON

"Standing in front of the solid gold and blue mask was incredible
I have seen it so many times in books and on telly
I couldn’t believe the real thing was right in front of me"

18th Dynasty

Material - Obsidian, Gold, Turquoise, Glass, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli

This marvellous, life size mask, of excellent workmanship,
protected the head of Tutankhamon's mummy

His shoulders and the back of his mask are inscribed with a magic formula
that ensures protection

The golden nemes headdress is striped in blue and green while the uraeus and vulture head,
in gold inlaid with semi-precious stones and coloured glass, ornament the brow

The mask's eyes are made of obsidian and quartz with a touch of red at the corners

The divine beard, is made of cloisonn? work

The ears are pierced for the wearing of earrings

The wide necklace collar is formed of rows of lapis lazuli, quartz, amazonite
and coloured glass beads attached at each shoulder to a gold falcon's head
ornamented with obsidian

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