Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A beautifully-preserved mask carved from cedar and displaying thick traces of chalky-white gesso. The peaceful countenance presents with large almond-shaped eyes, a tall nose with drilled nostrils, shallow nasolabial folds flanking puffy lips, rounded cheeks, and a sloping neckline, all beneath a rounded headdress that sits high on the brow. The back of the mask is planar and features several residual dowels and dowel holes with two additional holes beneath along the front of the neck. 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. A wonderful example of fine Egyptian funerary practices! Size: 8" W x 11.5" H (20.3 cm x 29.2 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.
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection
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#147306
Condition
Small losses to verso and peripheries as shown. Chips and abrasions to nose, chin, headdress, peripheries, and verso, with fading to original pigmentation and gesso, stable insect damage, and several stable fissures. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout. Mounted on verso with modern metal screws and wire for display purposes.