The Statuette of Tutankhamun as the Harpooner presents a vivid and symbolic portrayal of the young king in a mythological role. This remarkable artifact, adorned with gold leaf, depicts Tutankhamun standing on a wooden boat, painted to resemble a traditional papyrus boat, and wearing the Deshret, the Red Crown of Lower Egypt. In his hand, he holds a harpoon, poised to strike an unseen enemy, embodying the protective and avenging spirit of the pharaoh.

According to ancient Egyptian mythology, the king is often ᴀssociated with Horus, the falcon-headed god, son of Osiris and Isis. Horus sought to avenge his father’s death at the hands of Seth, who is frequently depicted as a hippopotamus or a crocodile. This mythological narrative is echoed in the statuette, where Tutankhamun’s harpoon signifies his role as a protector and avenger of divine order.

A notable feature of the statue is the bronze coiled chain held by the king, intended to bind the animal after it had been speared, symbolizing the king’s control over chaos and his ability to maintain Ma’at, the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, and order. The boat, painted to mimic a papyrus boat, further enhances the depiction, as papyrus was a symbol of rebirth and renewal in Egyptian culture.

The statuette was discovered wrapped in linen inside a varnish-blackened chest, indicating its ritualistic importance and the care with which it was preserved. This careful wrapping suggests that the statuette had a significant ceremonial or symbolic role, likely related to funerary practices or royal rituals.