Were the mysterious mud trays in Tutankhamun's tomb actually ritual libation basins?
In short: Archaeologists once thought the four clay troughs found in Tutankhamun's burial chamber were simple stands for emblems. New research suggests a deeper religious purpose, linking these artifacts to specific Osirian funerary rites performed for the deceased king.
Egyptologist Nicholas Brown re-examines the four clay troughs, or mud trays, discovered within KV62. While previous theories categorized them as mere supports for nearby emblems, Brown argues that their true function is revealed through the religious context of the burial chamber. By comparing these items to other examples from the Valley of the Kings, he proposes they served as libation offering basins.
This interpretation connects the artifacts to the broader tradition of Osirian funerary rituals practiced during the New Kingdom, a period spanning approximately 1550 to 1070 BCE. The study integrates archaeological evidence with textual and art historical remains to shed light on the specific rites intended to honor the deceased.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: These Thy Libations, Osiris! The Awakening of Osiris Ritual and Tutankhamun's Tomb (KV62)
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