Clay Artifacts Discovered in King Tut’s Tomb Likely Played a Role in Rituals for the Egyptian God Osiris

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The four clay troughs were initially thought to have served as stands for gold-plated staffs. Now, a researcher has presented a new theory about their purpose

Sonja Anderson – Daily Correspondent

April 8, 2025 3:52 p.m.

The burial of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun was marked by an astonishing array of treasures. Egyptologist Howard Carter first uncovered his tomb in 1922, revealing a chamber replete with chariots, elaborate furniture, precious alabaster vessels, and multiple coffins, alongside several small clay trays.

Initially, these four rectangular clay objects, each approximately three inches in length, were believed to function as stands for gold-plated staffs, a conclusion drawn by Carter based on their positioning atop reeds in a dim corner of the tomb. However, a modern examination has led a researcher to propose a different interpretation of these artifacts.

In a recent study conducted by Nicholas Brown, an Egyptologist from Yale University, published in the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, the researcher argues that the “mud trays” are too small to function as supports for the large staffs. Brown compared these trays to similar objects discovered in other tombs, particularly within the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place for many Egyptian pharaohs, including the young ruler Tutankhamun, who reigned from about 1333 to 1323 B.C.E.

In discussing his findings, Brown noted, “The entire burial chamber appears to be arranged to mimic a funerary rite known as ‘the Awakening of Osiris,’” as reported to Live Science.

Ancient Egyptian mythology tells of the god Osiris, who was slain by his brother Seth, only to be resurrected by his son Horus. This resurrection established Osiris as the sovereign of the afterlife, a concept central to Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife journey judged by Osiris.

The arrangement of the four troughs and their connection to the four staffs surrounding Tutankhamun’s mummy may symbolize cardinal directions and represent a form of protection for the deceased, suggesting that the trays were intended to contain libations of water poured around his coffin during rituals associated with Osiris, as posited by Brown.

Ancient texts inscribed on pyramid walls reference the significance of libations, identified as fluids extracted from either the deceased or the body of Osiris, which were believed to rejuvenate the corpse and restore its vital essence.

Brown further elaborated, stating, “Versions of the Awakening of Osiris ritual have been documented across earlier epochs of Egyptian history,” underscoring how Tutankhamun’s burial chamber seems to amalgamate traditional rituals with innovative practices.

Additionally, Paula Veiga, an Egyptologist from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich who was not involved in the research, expressed support for Brown’s theories. She indicated that the clay trays might have also contained ointments or other substances used in rituals.

Tutankhamun’s story is intricately tied to the pantheon of Egyptian deities. His father had dismissed polytheistic worship in favor of a singular sun god, but when Tutankhamun ascended the throne at just nine years old, he reinstated polytheism as the state religion. This switch suggests a deliberate intention in his tomb design to honor the gods. According to Artnet, Tutankhamun’s coffins were crafted to mimic Osiris, while the gold staffs may represent the instruments utilized by Horus for Osiris’s revival.

Brown concluded, “Tutankhamun and his officials had the chance to adapt and transform royal tomb practices, reintroducing Osiris into the resurrection narrative.”

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