Set Of Alka Guards of King Tutankhamun Decorative Egyptian Bookend Sculptures

🏺 Set Comprising 2 Hand-Painted Alka Guards of King Tutankhamun – Gilded Bookend Sculptures

👑 Subject: Guardians of King Tutankhamun

These figures represent Alka guards—ritual protectors placed at the entrance of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Depicted with one foot forward and holding ceremonial staffs, they symbolize vigilance, authority, and divine protection.

Wearing the iconic Nemes headdress with the cobra (Uraeus), golden kilts, and sandals, the guards reflect royal power. Their ebony bodies evoke Osiris, god of the afterlife, signifying resurrection and eternal life.

These guardians served as sacred sentinels in ancient Egyptian belief, ensuring the pharaoh's safe passage to the afterlife.

Material: Brass, Wood, and Polyester
Style: Egyptian Revival
Dimensions (Each): 30 cm (H) × 20 cm (L) × 10 cm (W)
Circa: Early 21st Century
Provenance: Private Shires Collection

✨ Add a Touch of Ancient Majesty to Your Home or Office

Step into the world of the pharaohs with this striking set of two Alka Guard bookend sculptures, inspired by the legendary tomb of King Tutankhamun. These guardian figures are a powerful blend of history, art, and symbolism—ideal for the discerning collector, interior designer, or enthusiast of Egyptian antiquity.

🖌️ Stunning Hand-Painted Detail

Crafted in a commanding front-facing stance, each figure is meticulously hand-painted in rich ebony and radiant gold—a symbolic pairing representing the divine and the eternal. The black body references the Osirian power of resurrection, while the golden headdress, kilt, and sandals reflect the pharaoh’s sacred regalia and status as "Lord of the Two Lands."

👑 The Nemes headdress, adorned with the protective cobra (Uraeus), sits atop their heads, warding off evil and honoring the divine right to rule. The figures grasp two distinct staffs—one with a pear-shaped tip, the other a symbol of command—representing both protection and authority over life and death.

🏛️ Historical Significance

These figures echo the famed burial chamber statues discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter. Much like the originals, these guardians symbolize the king’s transition into the afterlife, eternal vigilance, and the sacred duty to protect his soul.

Tutankhamun—known as King Tut—ascended to the throne at just 9 years old and played a pivotal role in restoring traditional Egyptian polytheism. His brief but fascinating reign ended abruptly at age 18, yet his legacy remains iconic thanks to the incredible treasures found in his tomb—now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

🔍 Condition Report

Presented in fine used distressed condition with expected wear: light scuffs, grazes, and minor chips consistent with age and prior display. The staffs are removable for easier transport and styling.

• Ready to hang and display beautifully

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🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD