Nemes Headdress

Other On Display

Royal insignia of the pharaoh

Era: All Egyptian periods

Current Location: Various museums worldwide, with the most famous example being Tutankhamun's golden mask at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Materials:

Linen or fine cloth (for actual headdresses) Gold (in ceremonial versions) Paint and precious stones (for decorative elements) Glass and faience (in representations)

Research Confidence:

(80%)

About Nemes Headdress

The Nemes headdress is an iconic Ancient Egyptian royal head covering that consists of a striped cloth worn tightly around the head and hanging down in two flaps behind the ears. The front portion forms a distinct triangular shape above the forehead, while the rear section falls flat against the back of the neck. The most famous example comes from Tutankhamun's golden death mask, where the Nemes is decorated with the royal cobra (uraeus) and vulture symbols. The headdress was designed to frame and protect the face while symbolizing royal authority.

Historical Significance

Royal insignia of the pharaoh

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Physical Details

Dimensions:

Materials:

Linen or fine cloth (for actual headdresses), Gold (in ceremonial versions), Paint and precious stones (for decorative elements), Glass and faience (in representations)

Quick Facts

Type:

Other

Era:

All Egyptian periods

Where to See It

🏛️

Various museums worldwide, with the most famous example being Tutankhamun's golden mask at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Currently on Display