In 1922, during the groundbreaking excavation of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, archaeologist Howard Carter discovered a remarkable statue of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife. The statue, carefully preserved for millennia, stood as a striking representation of Anubis, depicted with the head of a jackal and the body of a human.
This image of the deity was particularly significant in the tomb, as Anubis was believed to guide souls through the underworld, ensuring safe pᴀssage to the afterlife—a fitting protector for the young pharaoh’s journey into eternity.
The discovery of the statue was part of the larger treasure trove of artifacts found within Tutankhamun’s nearly intact tomb, one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. The tomb, filled with golden treasures, intricate jewelry, and statues like that of Anubis, provided an unparalleled glimpse into the material wealth and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. Carter’s expedition brought the world’s attention to the splendor of Tutankhamun’s burial, and the discovery of such a well-preserved Anubis statue became one of the many treasures that captivated public imagination.
PH๏τographs of the Anubis statue, taken during Carter’s expedition, became iconic images of Egyptology and the world’s fascination with ancient Egypt. The statue, along with other items from Tutankhamun’s tomb, reinforced the importance of Anubis in Egyptian mythology and the elaborate rituals surrounding death and burial. Today, the Anubis statue remains one of the most memorable artifacts from the tomb, symbolizing both the mystery and grandeur of ancient Egypt, as well as the extraordinary archaeological legacy of Howard Carter’s historic discovery.