In 1976, the “Treasures of Tutankhamun” exhibit opened in the United States and began its tour of six different cities. The exhibit recreated archeologist Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery of King Tut’s tomb and displayed the many ancient Egyptian artifacts found within it—including King Tut’s sarcophagus and mummified body. The exhibit became the hottest ticket in town and each day museum patrons would arrive at dawn to wait in hours-long lines for their chance to enter the tomb. By the time the exhibit closed, eight million people, coast to coast, had attended. The widespread popularity ushered in the era of blockbuster museum exhibits and also made King Tut part of the cultural zeitgeist of the 1970’s. When I was little, I went to the show and I have a vivid memory of walking down the narrow hallway into the tomb, retracing the steps of Howard Carter. The theatricality and ancient wonders of the exhibit made a lasting impression on me and helped me become an artist.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was responsible for the souvenirs sold at the exhibit, which ranged from affordable trinkets to high-end merchandising like jewelry. These 18k gold pendants are very rare, limited edition pieces that were sold as collector’s items at the exhibit. They represent the Egyptian gods and goddesses found within King Tut’s tomb and are rendered in 18k gold. The high karat gold has a glow that evokes timelessness and intrigue--fitting for these beautiful replicas of ancient wonders. We have a small collection of them available in our shop; each is sold separately.
This pendant depicts Sobek, an Egyptian deity with a human body and crocodile head. He is the god of fertility, and was considered to be aggressive but benevolent, embodying many of the powerful qualities of the crocodile. Sobek was known as a protective deity—especially against the dangers of the Nile River— with the ability to heal and ward off evil. Crocodiles were an important symbol of Egyptian religion and were mummified to honor Sobek at the Temple of Crocodilopolis.
The Sobek pendant measures 1 3/8” x 5/16”. The bail is 3.5 x 5.5 mm. It weighs 6.81 grams.
The pendant is marked with 18K, 1976, MMA (for Metropolitan Museum of Art), and the copyright sign. I took the liberty of opening up the bail to accommodate the larger chains worn today. Other than that, the pendant is completely original.
The pendant is pictured alongside Vintage 1976 MMA King Tut 18K Gold
Wadjet,
Ptah, and
Hathor pendants, also available in our shop.
