This crook and flail are among the only examples ever found in an Egyptian tomb, and all existing examples come from the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Found within the innermost chamber of the king’s tomb inside a box bearing his name, the crook and flail are also marked with cartouches of Tutankhamun on the end caps. The rod-like forms are made of copper alloy mounted with blue glass and gold.
The crook represents a shepherd’s tool. A flail is a farming tool for beating grain. Seen together in possession of the king, the two items symbolize power and responsibility. They were considered an essential part of the king’s royal items and adornment, and were believed to be carried at the coronation ceremony and other significant events that demonstrated the power of the king. The crook and flail are also associated with Osiris, the god of the dead and the first king of Egypt.
Royal Flail
Gold, copper alloy, glass, wood, gesso, carnelian
Dynasty 18, reign of Tutankhamun (1332–1323 B.C.)
Thebes, Valley of the Kings, tomb of Tutankhamun