King Tut's Likeness Recreated Using Forensic Science and Egyptian Portraits

King Tut has been brought back to life again after 3,000 years.

This detailed representation was derived from studies, photo-diametric measurements and analysis from the recently exhumed mummy of King Tutankhamun and the comparative source of sculpted portraits of the young king done during his lifetime by some of the most talented artists of his era. High-tech 3D computer modeling techniques were then employed to reproduce this likeness of the young pharaoh.

The facial features of the mummy of King Tut show a close correlation to the sculpted pieces of his time. Notable characteristics include wide cheekbones, and large eye-sockets with high, arching brows.There is a shallow and slender bridge to the nose widening to a broader, rounded base. The jawline tapers to a relatively small, recessive chin. (Follow this link to image )These characteristic are common to Tut, his father, mother and his sisters.(Image of Tut's father, Akhenaten) (Image of Tut's mother, Kiya)

The royal line of Egyptians of that era resembled Caucasoid/Asiatic types with large, dark, almond-shaped eyes, broad facial planes with gracefully curving contours, and lips of moderate thickness and width. (Brace, et al.1933) The most realistic example to be seen is the famed bust of Nefertiti, who was Tutankhamun's step mother. (link to image). As a historical note, it is fair to point out that during the extremely long and varied history of Egypt, there were also Black pharaohs, Multi-racial dynasties and even a dynasty founded by Ptolemy, a Greek general that served under Alexander the Great.

Although sculpted portraits could have varying degrees of stylization, the best were most likely modeled from life and convey a fairly accurate likeness that can be recognized from piece to piece. There are several of Tut that fall into this category. Some of the best examples of the painted sculptures of the young pharaoh are this crowned version (link to image) , or Tut portrayed as the Sun God emerging from a lotus bloom (Image link)