Egyptian Late Dynastic Wood Sarcophagus Mask - Apr 17, 2018 | Artemis Gallery In Co
LiveAuctioneers Logo

lots of lots

Egyptian Late Dynastic Wood Sarcophagus Mask

Related Masks

More Items in Masks

View More

Recommended Art

View More
item-61243789=1
item-61243789=2
item-61243789=3
item-61243789=4
item-61243789=5
Egyptian Late Dynastic Wood Sarcophagus Mask
Egyptian Late Dynastic Wood Sarcophagus Mask
Item Details
Description
Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A carved wooden mask with large eyes, a slender nose, a gentle mouth with full lips, and detailed with a large, rounded headdress that sits low across the forehead. The back of the mask is flat, with residual dowels and dowel holes visible, and minute remnants of chalky-white gesso on the surface. The sarcophagus mask was an essential component of the mummy, placed over the head to provide an idealized image of the deceased as they would be once resurrected. This mask and others like it were traditionally carved from cedar. Comes with custom, museum-quality stand. Size: 10" H (25.4 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.

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 one were reserved for those who could afford them.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired through New York trade about 15 years ago

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#130848
Condition
Wood surface is worn from age, small losses to verso and headdress especially the left side (facing), some fading to carved details, with light cracking in some areas, otherwise very good. Nice gesso remains on the obverse face as well as earthen deposits throughout.
Buyer's Premium
  • 24.5%

Egyptian Late Dynastic Wood Sarcophagus Mask

Estimate $2,800 - $4,200
See Sold Price
Starting Price $1,300
6 bidders are watching this item.
Get approved to bid.

Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, us
See Policy for Shipping

Payment

Artemis Gallery

Artemis Gallery

badge TOP RATED
Louisville, CO, United States7,931 Followers
TOP