AN EGYPTIAN FAIENCE BEADED MUMMY MASK

Late Period, Circa 664-332 BC. An ancient Egyptian face mask formed of faience beads. Composed of turquoise, cream, black and red faience glazed composition beads, with white for the sclera, and green glazed cylinders for the attachment, to form a face. The mouth is formed with red beads and three single bead creating the teeth. In the Late Period it became the fashion for mummies to be adorned with a network of beads, attached to the wrappings of a mummy. The majority of these masks were influenced by the goddess Hathor for protective purposes. During the Late Dynastic Period it became the fashion for mummies to be adorned with a network of beads, attached to the wrappings of a mummy. The majority of these masks were influenced by the goddess Hathor for protective purposes. The image of the deceased was an essential for progression into the afterlife. Florence, D. F; Gifts of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Faience, p. 149, no. 164, illus, for a complete net with face mask. Global Egyptian Museum. 17.6.20.60 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Harvard University. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Expedition 1927.443.Size: L:110mm / W:130mm ; 41.8gProvenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1960s UK collection.