Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. An impressive example of a hand-carved cedar mummy mask boasting remains of white gesso, red and black pigments, and even lustrous black kohl lining the eyes! The attractive visage is symmetrically oriented, with almond-shaped eyes and elongated canthi, a bulbous nose with a flat nasal bridge, plump lips, shallow nasolabial folds, and risen brows beneath a squat forehead. The periphery of the verso still retains a single petite dowel and 5 dowel holes. Mummy masks were both representative -- as the face and head of the deceased -- and useful, as they allowed the use of the senses after death. Although many of the Egyptian mummy masks that we are used to seeing in media are gaudy metal affairs, a mask like this reminds us that mummification was practiced at all levels of Egyptian society and that even a poorer family would have spent their resources on ensuring that their loved ones had a proper burial. Size: 8.7" W x 8.5" H (22.1 cm x 21.6 cm)

Interestingly, cedar wood was not native to Egypt. Egypt did not have verdant forests filled with tall trees, and unfortunately most of its native lumber was of relatively poor quality. Thus, they relied on importing to acquire hardwoods - ebony imported from Africa, cedar and pine from Lebanon. One fabulous obelisk inscription by Thutmose III attests to the luxury of treasured hardwoods. It reads as follows, "They brought to me the choicest products...consisting of cedar, juniper and of meru wood...all the good sweet woods of God's Land." The rarity of cedar meant that masks like this example were reserved for those who could afford them.

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 the 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: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004

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#181032

Surface wear as shown with nicks, chips, and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Some stable fissures to wood. Otherwise, intact with liberal remaining pigments and detail. Rich patina throughout.