Tutankhamun's Mask?

Question

Hey, I'm doing a research project, and I am sure there is a purpose or reason for the mask, but I cannot seem to find a reason. All sites seem to describe the mask etc. But not its purpose. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

The snake at the top of the headpiece represents the biblical serpant of the Garden of Eden. It was a "totem" to ward off evil in the afterlife.

Answer 2

The practical purpose was to protect the head. The magical purpose was to allow him to see, hear, etc. in the afterlife. Pictures and sculptures of things were considered to be real in the afterlife, so pictures of servants would actually be servants working for you, etc.

Answer 3

This wonderful mask is of solid gold and was placed on Tutankhamen's mummy inside his solid gold inner coffin. There were several coffins, the outer being carved from a solid block of rock.

To the ancient Egyptians, gold was what formed the flesh of the gods. Tutankhamen was not only a ruler but considered to be a god as well. The mask has magical properties that reinforce that idea by belief.

Interesting question, thank you.