The tomb of King Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, continues to astonish the world with its wealth of treasures and artifacts. Among these remarkable finds is the Third Outer Shrine, an exquisite structure that encapsulates the grandeur and spiritual depth of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
Design and Construction
The Third Outer Shrine, similar in design to the second shrine, features a sloping roof and slightly smaller dimensions. It is entirely gilded, its surface shimmering with the brilliance of gold, symbolizing the divine and eternal nature of the pharaoh. The gilded exterior is intricately decorated in sunk relief, showcasing vignettes and extracts from Egyptian religious texts that narrate the journey of the soul through the afterlife.
Sacred Texts and Symbolism
The sides of the shrine are inscribed with abridged versions of the second and sixth divisions of the “Book of What Is in the Underworld” (the Amduat). This ancient text is a key component of Egyptian funerary literature, describing the sun god Ra’s journey through the twelve hours of the night, ultimately leading to his rebirth at dawn. These inscriptions would guide and protect the pharaoh’s soul as it navigated the treacherous realms of the underworld.
The outer faces of the doors and back panel of the shrine are adorned with extracts from spell 148 of the “Book of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.” This spell is part of a larger collection of texts aimed at ensuring the safe pᴀssage and resurrection of the deceased in the afterlife. The inscriptions include depictions of four ram-headed guardian figures and four heralds, each holding one or two knives. These figures are variously represented with human, antelope, or crocodile heads, embodying the protective and fearsome aspects of the deities who guard the underworld.
Artistic and Religious Significance
The craftsmanship of the Third Outer Shrine is a testament to the skill and artistry of ancient Egyptian artisans. The sunk relief technique used in its decoration allows for intricate and detailed representations, enhancing the visual impact and spiritual significance of the texts and figures depicted.
