Ca. 664-32 B.C, Late Period. Egyptian. An ancient Egyptian wooden anthropoid sarcophagus mask carved from a single piece of cedar. This mask portrays the quintessential image of the deceased, the idealised image of the dead. The face oval, dimpled chin, finely carved mouth with black outlined eyes, the nose edging elegantly down to the mouth. The eyes are radiant and projecting a gentle smile which was symbolic believing it would assist in a peaceful and solemn afterlife.The eyes with white sclera and black painted pupils. The head adorns a wig, and two ears protrude from the mask: almost like Pataikos. The chin adorns two pegs for attachment to the sarcophagus. Traces of painted gesso remaining.In ancient Egypt the mummy mask was an essential part of burial and acted as protection but would also act as a substitute for the mummified head should it be lost or damaged. The Egyptians hoped to be able to continue their lives after death, through a strong belief in an afterlife. For this to be achieved, the deceased needed to be given a proper burial. The image of the deceased was essential to gain entry to the afterlife; Without eyes, the deceased will not see, without ears, the deceased is unable to hear the questions being ask, without a mouth the deceased is unable to say their name during the Final Judgment.Edouard Naville, Ahnas el Medineh (Hereacleopolis Magna) and J. J. Taylor and F. L. Griffith, The Tomb of Paheri. London: Egypt Exploration Fund, 1894, Pls. VII, XI; pp. 13–14. Naville dates them to the Ptolemaic or Roman times; see also, a wood coffin lid, circa Dynasty XXV,The Egyptian Mummy Secrets and Science, University Museum Handbook l. Philadelphia: The University Museum, 1980, p. ii;John H. Taylor, Egyptian Coffins. Aylesbury, Bucks: Shire Publications, Inc., 1989, p. 62, 51.For a selection of masks see the following:The Museum of Tennessee, Knoxville, US.Mclung Museum of Natural History and CultureThe Met Museumhttps://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/egyptian-artThe National Museums of Scotlandhttps://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/world-cultures/ancient-egyptian-collection/ancient-egyptian-collection/coffins-and-mummy-masks/The Brooklyn Museumhttps://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/to_live_forever/ Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection. ize: L:220mm / W:165mm ; 565g