Egyptian - Statue of the god Amun protecting Tutankhamun 3D model

The statue of Tutankhamun, protected by the god Amun, is a monumental diorite sculpture from ancient Egypt, standing 2.20 meters tall with dimensions of 0.44 meters in width and 0.78 meters in depth. Dating back to Tutankhamun's reign (1345-1327 BC), it was discovered at Karnak by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in 1857.

Historically, Tutankhamun ascended to power at a young age of nine, inheriting a kingdom in flux due to his predecessor Akhenaten's religious reforms. Akhenaten sought to replace the traditional worship of Amun with the monotheistic worship of Aten. Tutankhamun's reign was pivotal in restoring the traditional cult of Amun, particularly in Thebes.

The statue portrays Tutankhamun adorned in a feline skin, symbolizing his role as the chief officiant in Amun's temple. Amun, depicted larger in scale as was common in ancient Egyptian art to emphasize divine power, sits in human form on a cubic seat. He wears a pleated loincloth, a corselet, and a divine beard, topped with a flat helmet adorned with tall feathers. Elaborate ornaments such as necklaces, armlets, and bracelets further embellish his attire.

During the reign of Horemheb, who sought to erase all traces of Akhenaten's reign, the statue suffered deliberate damage. The head and top of Tutankhamun's bust were removed, and his names were chiseled out from the dorsal pillar. However, the divine elements depicting Amen and Ra were spared, as their destruction was seen as invoking divine wrath. Interestingly, a cartouche on Tutankhamun's loincloth was overlooked by the destroyers, preserving a significant historical marker despite the attempted erasure.

This statue stands as a testament to the political and religious upheavals of ancient Egypt, showcasing both the power struggles of pharaohs and the enduring influence of divine cults.