This remarkable image shows the funerary mask of one of ancient Egypt’s most enigmatic rulers. Its meticulous craftsmanship, with delicate gold and blue inlays, reflects both the skill of Egyptian artisans and the reverence accorded to the king.

The ruler’s true identity remains uncertain, fueling ongoing debate among historians and archaeologists. The mask, probably carved from wood and embellished with precious materials, embodies the king’s divine status and the Egyptians’ deep-rooted beliefs in the afterlife.

Artifacts like this provide valuable insight into the cultural and religious traditions of ancient Egypt, illustrating their elaborate burial customs and the importance of ensuring a safe passage into the next world. Their preservation allows us not only to admire the artistry of the craftsmen but also to continue exploring the mysteries of Egypt’s lesser-known pharaohs.

Smenkhkare (Ankhkheperure Smenkhkare Djeser Kheperu) was a short-lived pharaoh of the late Eighteenth Dynasty, ruling after the Amarna Period and before Tutankhamun. His reign has long been surrounded by speculation.

In about the fourteenth year of Akhenaten’s rule, Nefertiti disappears from the historical record, and a co-regent named Ankhkheperure Nefernefruaten emerges. The name sometimes appears in a feminine form (Ankh-et-kheperure Nefernefruaten), leading some scholars to argue that the co-regent may have been a woman—possibly Nefertiti herself or her daughter, Merytaten.