King Tut's Likeness Recreated Using Forensic Science and Egyptian Portraits

This detailed representation was derived from studies, photo-diametric measurements and analysis from the recently exhumed mummy of King Tutankhamun and the comparative source of sculpted portraits of the young king done during his lifetime by some of the most talented artists of his era. High-tech 3D computer modeling techniques were then employed to reproduce this likeness of the young pharaoh.

The facial features of the mummy of King Tut show a close correlation to the sculpted pieces of his time. Notable characteristics include wide cheekbones, and large eye-sockets with high, arching brows.There is a shallow and slender bridge to the nose widening to a broader, rounded base. The jawline tapers to a relatively small, recessive chin. (Follow this link to image )These characteristic are common to Tut, his father, mother and his sisters.(Image of Tut's father, Akhenaten) (Image of Tut's mother, Kiya)

The royal line of Egyptians of that era resembled Caucasoid/Asiatic types with large, dark, almond-shaped eyes, broad facial planes with gracefully curving contours, and lips of moderate thickness and width. (Brace, et al.1933) The most realistic example to be seen is the famed bust of Nefertiti, who was Tutankhamun's step mother. (link to image). As a historical note, it is fair to point out that during the extremely long and varied history of Egypt, there were also Black pharaohs, Multi-racial dynasties and even a dynasty founded by Ptolemy, a Greek general that served under Alexander the Great.

Although sculpted portraits could have varying degrees of stylization, the best were most likely modeled from life and convey a fairly accurate likeness that can be recognized from piece to piece. There are several of Tut that fall into this category. Some of the best examples of the painted sculptures of the young pharaoh are this crowned version (link to image) , or Tut portrayed as the Sun God emerging from a lotus bloom (Image link)

Virtually all of Tuts portraits depict him wearing eyeliner, today often referred to as kohl. The kohl used by the Egyptians was typically comprised of burnt almonds, powdered antimony, black copper oxide, and brown ocher, in varying proportions, and was mixed with grease or animal fat. The kohl aided in protecting the eye from the sun and was a deterrent to biting flies and lice. The kohl was also applied to the eyebrows as well. A decorative touch was added by an extended line from the outside corners of the eye and a tapered extension from the outside points of the eyebrows. Tutankhamen's ears are pierced, with large holes and and enlarged earlobes from wearing heavy earrings. (Image link to Tut's funerary mask)

This image, modeled by the author, portrays King Tut at the age of fifteen, shortly before his untimely death. On his head is the nemes, a fabric headdress most likely made of dyed cloth with interwoven gold brocade. On his forehead is a daidem comprised of a gold band with with the cobra and vulture icons of gold inlaid with lapis lazuli (blue stone), carnelian (red) and turquoise (bright blue-green). The same materials were used in the elaborate beaded yoke which is worn about Tut's shoulders and chest.

The Ancient Egyptians believed that having their likeness recoded in images helped secure their place in the afterlife. Long live King Tutankhamun!

Rescources:

Treasures of King Tutankhamun
Ballantine Books, New York 1976
ISBN 0-345-27349-4

Brace et al. (1993). Comparison of 24 craniofacial measurements made on skeletal material from Egypt, North Africa, Nubia, Europe, India, Asia, Somali,and North America. Measurements chosen are known to be controlled genetically . The conclusions were that the ancient Egyptians are most closely related to the peoples of India, neolithic Europe, North Africa, and modern Europe. (see Brace et al. [1993] for a complete list).

(Mummy of King Tut) http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071104/071104_kingTutankhamen_hmed_11a.h2.jpg

(Nefertiri) http://www.javivicente.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/02/nefertiti.JPG

(Akhenaten) http://euler.slu.edu/Dept/Faculty/bart/egyptimage/34_akhenaten_small2.jpg

(Kiya mother of Tut) http://www.stewartsynopsis.com/images/tutpics8.jpg

(BoyTut with Crown) http://members.fortunecity.com/robstravel/jpg/tut.jpg

(Tut as Sun God) http://www.eyeconart.net/history/ancient/egypt/TutPlasterMask.jpg

(Funerary mask) http://www.cat-egypt.com/king-tut-mask.jpg