Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A dramatic wooden sarcophagus mask of an engaging visage with boldly lined almond-shaped eyes, thick brows, a straight noble nose, a full-lipped smile, and delicate facial contours, all on a lustrous brass-gilt complexion. The ancient mask wears an ovoid headdress that is intricately decorated with horizontal stripes divided by a central vertical motif painted in shades of turquoise, black, yellow, and red. All is skillfully modeled and delineated with pigment on gesso. Size: 5.25" W x 7.25" H (13.3 cm x 18.4 cm); 10" H (25.4 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 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: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000
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#161716
Condition
Ancient mask with much of brass gilt being modern. Restoration to gesso and pigments. Collection label on verso. Circular aperture to proper right side of headdress as shown. Expected age cracks, abraded areas and losses to headdress and visage as shown. Three peg holes on verso for attachment with one still holding its peg. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits.