Egyptian mummy mask

Egyptian mummy mask
ITEM: Mummy mask
MATERIAL: Wood
CULTURE: Egyptian
PERIOD: Late period, 664 - 332 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 185 mm x 97 mm x 45 mm (without stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes stand
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired in the early 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

These masks, typically crafted from materials like sycamore or tamarisk wood, were created to cover the faces of mummified individuals, symbolically connecting the deceased to the divine realm. Unlike the elaborate gold masks seen in royal burials, such as Tutankhamun's, wooden masks were more common and accessible, used primarily by members of the middle and upper classes. The wood was often covered with a layer of gesso (a mixture of chalk and glue) and painted in bright colors, depicting facial features, hairstyles, and even specific details like jewelry that would help the spirit recognize its body in the afterlife.

Wooden mummy masks served an important ritual purpose within ancient Egyptian funerary practices. Egyptians believed that preserving the face of the deceased was essential for the spirit to achieve immortality. These masks often featured painted or inlaid eyes, eyebrows, and other facial elements that gave them a lifelike appearance. Some also included symbolic markings or inscriptions invoking protection and guidance from deities. Despite their simpler materials, many wooden masks were intricately decorated with geometric patterns, religious symbols, and scenes from the Book of the Dead, all aimed at ensuring safe passage to the afterlife. These decorations provided a glimpse into the individual’s wealth, social status, and spiritual beliefs, and often adhered to strict artistic conventions that helped maintain continuity with past traditions.

The construction of wooden mummy masks reflects the adaptive reuse of materials, a practice that allowed ancient Egyptians to economize while preserving the spirit of traditional burial customs. Sometimes, these masks were carved from reused wood or repurposed from previous masks, with artisans adapting and reshaping them to fit a new individual. In some cases, artisans applied layers of linen or plaster to the wooden base, creating a lightweight and sturdy surface that could hold fine painted details.

Measurement:	9.7 x 18.5 cm
Depth:	4.5 cm