Tutankhaman and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs

Votive Figure of Amenhotep III

This small statue of Amenhotep III was discovered in a cache at the Temple of Amun in Karnak. The clothing that he wears and his strong stance symbolize his power on earth and his royal connection with the gods. His nemes headdress is topped with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, signifying a united nation. He may have held a staff in his left hand. The back pillar, shaped like an obelisk, contains the throne and birth names of the king as well as some of his titles.

Amenhotep III ruled Egypt in a time of peace and prosperity, which included building portions of the Temple of Luxor and the Colossi of Memnon. He was the father of Akhenaten, Egypt’s great religious reformer, and was most likely the grandfather of Tutankhamun.

Votive Figure of Amenhotep III
Baked, glazed steatite
Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1353 B.C.)
Karnak, Temple of Amun, cachette