Egyptian Wood Sarcophagus Mask

**Originally Listed At $1500**

Egypt, end of Third Intermediate to beginning of Late Period, 22nd to 27th Dynasties, ca. 945 to 525 BCE. An impressive sarcophagus mask, carved from a fine-grained hardwood, the oval/heart-shaped face with finely delineated naturalistic nose and lips, well-modeled cheeks, almond-shaped eyes dramatically lined in black, and finely arched black brows ending just short of the contours of the bridge of the nose - all topped by a sizeable headdress with slight remains of original gesso/textile on the surface. Five original peg holes - two through the temples, two flanking the lips, and one through the chin - for attachment to sarcophagus with sections of original pegs still in place. The mask was an essential part of the mummy, placed over the head to provide an idealized image of of the deceased as they would be resurrected. Custom stand with lucite cover. Size: 8" W x 11" H (20.3 cm x 27.9 cm); 13" H (33 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Austin, Texas, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s; ex-M. S. Rau Inc. Antiques, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

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#130766
Condition Report: Stable age cracks here, losses to peripheries and verso as shown. Expected surface wear with losses to painted gesso as shown. Old inventory numbers on verso. Left wall of case is a bit loose but still attached.