A cartonnage mummy mask covered with gesso and decorated with panels of gilding; the facial details modelled in the round and delineated in black pigment with white in the eyes; red outline band to the Nemes crown striped headcloth; professionally conserved.

PROVENANCE:
UK art market, acquired prior to 1980.

LITERATURE:
See Aufderheide, A.C. The Scientific Study of Mummies, Cambridge, 2003.

FOOTNOTES:
Mummy masks were placed directly over the wrapped mummy, presenting an idealised portrayal of the person. The facial detail was considered important, and was believed to assist the passage of the deceased through the chambers of the underworld.