Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A sarcophagus mask carved from cedar (or possibly sycamore) wood presenting a mesmerizing visage comprised of haunting bronze eyes, the white sclera formed from shell pieces and the pupils from applied bitumen. The well-preserved countenance is defined by a slender nose, delicate lips, gently sloping cheeks, and a petite chin, with the eyes resting beneath sweeping brows and a low brow. Remains of brown and white pigment are visible across the face and allude to the relative verism this mask displayed at one time. Several dowel holes are visible across the verso with remains of 5 still present, and a cavity for inserting a false beard is located beneath the chin. Size: 5.125" W x 6.625" H (13 cm x 16.8 cm); 8.5" H (21.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Ancient Egyptians believed it was of the utmost importance to preserve a body of the deceased, because the soul needed a place to reside after the death. Preservation of the body was done via mummification - a process involving the removal of internal organs that were placed in canopic jars, wrapping body in linen, and then embalming. Death masks like this example were created so that the soul could recognize the body and return to it. For this reason, death masks were made in the likeness of the deceased. Artisans used different materials. Earlier masks were carved from wood. Later, cartonnage, a material made from papyrus or linen and soaked in plaster which was then applied to a wooden mold, was used. Royal death masks, perhaps the most famous being that of Tutankhamen, were made from precious metals. All death masks were intended to resemble the deceased subject; however, eyes were always slightly enlarged and lips presented in a subtle smile as we see in this example.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#175730

Eyes reinserted into orbitals with light adhesive residue behind eyelid borders. Wear to pigment and wood commensurate with age, with light encrustations and roughness to eyes, fissures and nicks to wood with light pitting in areas, and minor softening to some finer details. Great remains of pigment and dowels.