Day 2: The Alabaster Chalice (Harry Burton image #14) This beautiful translucent vessel is crafted of fine white alabaster in the shape of an open lotus blossom. It was one of the first objects found by Carter on entering tomb, perhaps dropped by ancient tomb robbers.
The kneeling guys on left and right are the god Heh, also meaning “millions” as in millions of years, wished for the ka of Tut (infinity, eternity). His hands are up in a shrug, as if to say. “I dunno, I’ve lost count how long… but for sure a really super long infinite amount of time”. The beautiful hopeful inscription below is why it has been called ‘The Wishing Cup’. It is also an inscription that was copied onto Carter’s own grave headstone. We all need a wishing cup these days!
‘May your spirit live, may you spend millions of years, you who love Thebes, sitting with your face to the north wind, your eyes beholding happiness.’