---
title: Head of Tutankhamun
author: Nicole Lesar
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14339/head-of-tutankhamun/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2024-09-16
---

# Head of Tutankhamun

_Authored by [Nicole Lesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nicole.dy8/)_

## Image File

[![Head of Tutankhamun](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14339.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/14339.jpg)

## Image Caption

The Head of [Tutankhamun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tutankhamun/) was once part of a larger limestone statue depicting Tutankhamun (r. c. 1336 to c. 1327 BCE) and the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) [Amun](https://www.worldhistory.org/amun/), fashioned during Tutankhamun’s reign, 18th Dynasty, [New Kingdom of Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/New_Kingdom_of_Egypt/).

This statue is significant because it shows that Tutankhamun restored [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/)’s old [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/) after Tutankhamun's father, [Akhenaten](https://www.worldhistory.org/Akhenaten/) had abolished the polytheistic [Egyptian religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Religion/) in favor of the monotheistic worship of the Aten during the [Amarna Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amarna_Period_of_Egypt/). This change caused an uproar in Egypt and the massive religious and social fallout was felt throughout the remainder of the 18th Dynasty.

The hand that can be seen on the back of Tutankhamun's head is the hand of the god Amun. Since Amun (the King of the Gods) is touching Tutankhamun's crown, it can be interpreted that Amun approved of Tutankhamun’s reign. Tutankhamun is wearing the blue *khepresh* crown which is associated with coronation, the right to rule, and victory.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Nicole is an Earth/Environmental Scientist, who is currently teaching science to middle and high school students. She has a passion for ancient history, particularly ancient Egypt, due to the teachings of her Nonno (grandfather).

## Cite This Work

### APA
Lesar, N. (2021, June 25). Head of Tutankhamun. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14339/head-of-tutankhamun/>
### Chicago
Lesar, Nicole. "Head of Tutankhamun." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 25, 2021. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14339/head-of-tutankhamun/>.
### MLA
Lesar, Nicole. "Head of Tutankhamun." *World History Encyclopedia*, 25 Jun 2021, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14339/head-of-tutankhamun/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Nicole Lesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nicole.dy8/ "User Page: Nicole Lesar"), published on 25 June 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.