The Anubis Box from the tomb of Tutankhamun, housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, is a ceremonial container, dated around 1323 B.C.E. With approximate dimensions of 39 cm length, 19 cm width, and 30 cm height, the primarily golden artifact is characterized by its meticulous ornamentation.
The rectangular box is predominantly composed of three fundamental sections: a base, a lid, and a statuette. The rounded base features decor of blue glass and cut carnelian applied in reciprocal patterns. Corners of the base further include cloisonné rosettes, a common element in Egyptian design motifs.
The detachable lid presents elaborate engravings and cloisonné work, interspersed with glass inlays. This includes four sculpted canine figures at each corner, perhaps representing a protective role consistent with Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. This motif is repeated with dual serpent images on the longer sides of the lid, oriented towards the center.
The focal point of the box is the centrally located statuette of Anubis, the jackal-headed deity, crafted from wood and entirely overlaid in gold. The figure's crouching pose suggests a state of vigilance. This level of detail extends to the deity's eyes, constructed from black obsidian.
Given its location in the antechamber of Tutankhamun's tomb, the box likely held significant funerary relevance. Given Anubis' divine role as guardian of graves and patron of embalming, the box might have served an essential function beyond mere decoration.
