Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic period, ca. 672 to 30 BCE. An impressive mummy mask that is expertly carved from cedar and covered in a layer of white gesso decorated with thick, opaque pigments of peach, white, and black hues. Capped with a rectangular headdress, the elegant countenance exhibits large, almond-shaped eyes beneath sweeping brows, full lips, a flat nose, and a petite chin. The cheeks roll backwards towards the temples and where the ears were at one time. Dowel holes on the headdress and verso still retain remains of the original dowels and illustrate how the mask was attached to a larger coffin lid. A fascinating mask showcasing the quintessential ancient Egyptian funerary artistry! Size: 8.8" W x 11.2" H (22.4 cm x 28.4 cm)

Ancient Egyptians believed it was of the utmost importance to preserve a body of the deceased, as the soul needed a place to reside after the death. Conservation 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, such as this, were created so that the soul could recognize the body and return to it and, thus, were carved in the likeness of the deceased. Artisans used different materials. Earlier masks were carved from wood, while later ones were made of 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.

The mask was an essential part of the mummy, placed over the head to provide an idealized image of the deceased as they would be resurrected. This mask and others like it were traditionally carved from cedar. 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.

Provenance: private Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA collection, originally acquired from Morgan's Museum, Luxor, Egypt, February 1973

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#185006

Some stable fissures to wood, as well as some expected flaking to wood, nicks, and abrasions. Chip to verso of chin. Areas of old insect damage; now inactive. Otherwise, intact with liberal remains of pigment. Dowel holes to chin and verso; some containing remains of dowels. Modern suspension loop on verso for display. Accompanied by receipt from Morgan's Museum containing incorrect information.