Mummy Mask

Summary

The mummy mask is complete and it is made from plaster with a gilded face, and painted eyes, hair and broad collar.

Description of object

This mask with its gilded face and blue wig was sewn onto the bandages over the face of the mummy mask through the holes along its edge. The material is gilded and painted plaster, which forms a thin but stable shell without the need of linen to support it. The long wig follows a tradition dating back to the earliest mummy masks from around 2100 BCE, whereas the chubby face and slight smile are stylistic traits from the Ptolemaic Era.

Choice of methods

Technical imaging

• UV
• VIL
• IR

Sampling

• Cross section
• Proteomics
• SEM/EDX
• FT-IR

Bibliography

Jørgensen, M. Egypt III : Coffins, Mummy Adornments and Mummies from the Third Intermediate, Late, Ptolemaic and the Roman Periods (1080 BC – AD 400): Catalogue: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek; 2001.