Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A dramatic wooden sarcophagus mask of an engaging visage with a turquoise, red, and yellow striped headdress, boldly lined almond-shaped eyes, thick brows, a straight noble nose, a gentle smile, and delicate facial contours, all on a chocolate brown complexioned face. All is skillfully modeled and delineated with pigment on gesso. Please note, the lucite stand in photos is not included. Size: 7.25" W x 8.125" H (18.4 cm x 20.6 cm)
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 Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
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#158041
Condition
Age cracks, abraded areas and losses to headdress and visage as shown. Wooden pegs for attachment remain in holes on verso. Old collection labels on verso.