Description
Made of cartonnage – a medium consisting of layers of fibers – this mummy mask features a broad foliate and beaded collar. The wig is decorated with an open lotus blossom on the forehead and a scarab on the crown. The cheek straps and other details are painted in blue, purple, red, pink and green on a yellow ground.
REFERENCE #
SI_EG_1049
CIVILIZATION
Egyptian, 100 C.E.
SIZE
H. 33 cm
CONDITION
Some normal areas of edge losses, mostly minor; a few open splits and some areas of the interior have been strengthened with a linen backing. Some normal minor paint flakes. Lower front portion of wig is curled under; the very tip of the nose chipped.
PRICE
Sold
PROVENANCE
Private NYS collection, ex. Sotheby’s, Sale 5464, lot 250, May 30th, 1986
Frequently Asked Questions
The mummy mask is made of cartonnage, which is a medium consisting of layers of fibers. This material was commonly used in ancient Egyptian funerary masks for its lightweight and durable properties.
The mask features a broad foliate and beaded collar, an open lotus blossom on the forehead, and a scarab on the crown. Additionally, the cheek straps and other details are painted in blue, purple, red, pink, and green on a yellow background.
The mummy mask measures 33 centimeters in height, making it a relatively small and detailed funerary object from ancient Egypt.
The mask has some normal minor edge losses and paint flakes, a few open splits, and areas inside have been strengthened with linen backing. The lower front portion of the wig is curled under, and the tip of the nose is chipped.
The mummy mask originates from the Egyptian civilization and dates to around 100 C.E., placing it in the Roman period of Egyptian history.
The mask was part of a private New York State collection and was previously sold at Sotheby’s auction (Sale 5464, lot 250) on May 30th, 1986, before being sold again.
