Golden Mask of Tutankhamun
c. 1323 BCE
The inscription on the back and shoulders of Tutankhamun's famous golden death mask is a protective spell derived from Chapter 151b of the Book of the Dead. It addresses the deceased king as Osiris and invokes the gods to guard each part of his face and head.
O, hail to you, beautiful of face, lord of radiance,
joined together by Ptah-Sokar, raised by Anubis, to whom were given
him the supports of Thoth, beautiful of face, who is among the gods; your right eye is in
the evening bark; your left eye in the morning bark; your eyebrows
of the divine Ennead; your brow is Anubis; the back of your head upon your head
as Horus; your locks are Ptah-Sokar; before Osiris, who sees
through you; may you guide him on smooth paths; may you smite for him
the gang of Seth, that he may overthrow your enemies before
the divine Ennead, in the great royal house in Heliopolis, that he may take the Great Crown there before Horus,
lord of the nobles,
the Osiris, king Nebkheperure (Tutankhamun), true of voice, given life like Ra.