Egyptian statue - Tutankhamun / Tutankhamen Head rest - Featuring The god Shu

Shu headrest of Tutankhamun

Dimensions - Height 18.5cm x Length 27cm x width 8.5cm

Inches - Height - 7 x Length 10.8 x width 3.2
Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone with blue / black pigment.




Back for the first time since 2017, this stunning headrest replica is based on the original design from Tutankhamun's tomb. I was quite surprised how long it has been since I have made one but I have been reminded why. It takes a lot of time.

Background information

This headrest features the god of the air and wind - Shu, who was said to hold up the sky to prevent it from falling and causing chaos in the world. A really stunning statue that is bound to provoke questions so here is a little background information.

He is indeed in the pose of holding the sky which is represented as a sleek crescent supported by his upraised arms.

Head rests were used by the ancient Egyptians during their lifetime but they were also essential in the rites of rebirth as described in chapter 166 of the book of the dead. Some were permanently fixed to the bed itself and were softened for use with ample padding of linen wrapped around the crescent.

This is the most famous example of a headrest ever found in Egypt and was found as mentioned in Tut's tomb during the 1920's.

It is unparalleled in Egyptian art and is one of the key 3 dimensional Egyptian statues that had considerable influence on the emerging Art Deco movement of the 1920's and 1930's. It is interesting to note that both Egyptian and Aztec art heavily inspired the artists of Deco painting and sculpture. The dramatic poses on figurative sculpture as used in lamps for example, were designed with an eye for creating a sharp silhouette with easily defined limbs. Inspiration was found in abundance with this headrest sculpture as a lesson in symmetrical design.

The two lions that appear either side of Shu represent the two mountains of Manu and Baku. Also known as the guardians of the Eastern and Western horizon. One lion appears to be older than the other as determined by the thicker mane and different facial characteristics.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone, this piece has been given an aged alabaster patina giving it an authentic, ancient look.
The incised details as in the original, have been highlighted in blue / black pigment and the base is lined with felt to protect your furniture.


* Careful packaging ensures safe transit around the world.



*As this piece is exactly the same size as Tutankhamun's I suggest testing this design while laying on the floor just to see how it works and feels. I tried it out on my own personal copy and it surpisingly does put your head at a comfortable position. Perhaps a little padding would not be out of place however. I Can't imagine sleeping on it all night but it was developed for the ancient lifestyle with the main objective to lessen the chance of insects crawling in your ears while you slept!