Description
This Egyptian wooden sarcophagus mask, dating to the 1st Millennium BC, once formed part of an anthropoid coffin, serving as an idealized representation of the deceased to ensure recognition and eternal life in the afterlife. Carved from wood and originally coated with painted gesso, the mask retains its elegant facial features, with almond-shaped eyes, a finely modeled nose, and softly defined lips that reflect the refined artistic conventions of Late Period Egyptian funerary art.
The elaborate tripartite wig, characteristic of Egyptian noble and divine iconography, frames the face and emphasizes the deceased’s transformation into an eternal being under the protection of the gods. Small attachment holes and traces of ancient restoration reveal its original placement on the coffin and attest to the mask’s long history of preservation.
During the 1st Millennium BC, such sarcophagus masks played a vital role in Egyptian burial practices, symbolically preserving the identity of the deceased while ensuring rebirth in the realm of Osiris. This beautifully preserved example stands as a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship, religious devotion, and enduring funerary traditions of ancient Egypt.
REFERENCE #
SI-EG-1068
CIVILIZATION
Egyptian. 1st Millennium B.C.E.
SIZE
H. 25 cm
CONDITION
Fair condition
PRICE
$6000
PROVENANCE
Private Jerusalem Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
The Egyptian wooden sarcophagus mask served as an idealized representation of the deceased, ensuring recognition and eternal life in the afterlife. It was part of an anthropoid coffin and symbolized the preservation of the deceased's identity for rebirth in the realm of Osiris.
The mask was carved from wood and originally coated with painted gesso. This technique allowed for detailed and elegant facial features, such as almond-shaped eyes and softly defined lips, reflecting the refined artistic conventions of Late Period Egyptian funerary art.
The elaborate tripartite wig frames the face and is characteristic of Egyptian noble and divine iconography. It emphasizes the deceased's transformation into an eternal being under the protection of the gods, highlighting their divine status in the afterlife.
During the 1st Millennium BC, sarcophagus masks symbolically preserved the identity of the deceased and ensured their rebirth in the afterlife. This mask exemplifies the religious devotion and funerary traditions that were central to Egyptian burial customs.
Small attachment holes and traces of ancient restoration on the mask reveal its original placement on the coffin. These features also attest to the mask's long history of preservation and care over centuries.
The mask is in fair condition and measures 25 cm in height. Despite its age, it retains elegant facial features and details that highlight its craftsmanship.
The mask comes from a private Jerusalem collection and is priced at $6000. Its provenance and condition contribute to its value as a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian funerary art.
