This exquisite floral collar, part of King Tutankhamun’s funerary ensemble, offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent rituals of ancient Egypt. Crafted for use in ceremonial contexts, the collar is adorned with an elaborate arrangement of flower petals, leaves, berries, and blue faience beads, all meticulously sewn onto a papyrus backing. Linen ties were used to secure the collar around the wearer’s neck, suggesting its importance and the care taken in its creation.
The collar features a stunning array of flora, including olive leaves, cornflowers, and poppies, each element contributing to its vibrant appearance. The use of red cloth to bind the edges of several collars, including this one, would have created a striking contrast with the blue and green decorations, reminiscent of the colorful polychrome designs seen on other terracotta artifacts from the same deposit.
Following King Tutankhamun’s funeral, the collar, along with other ceremonial items such as broken dishes and assorted materials, was carefully placed in large pottery storage jars. These jars were eventually buried and remained hidden for over three millennia before being rediscovered. The floral collar’s preservation provides invaluable insight into the funerary practices of the New Kingdom and the artistry of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.