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Description
Description
Rows of black spiraling hair are parted beneath a plain stylistic headdress and pink flesh tones. Her delineated eyes, eyebrows, and eyelashes are painted on in black, as are her large irises. Her ears are decorated with earrings, and her lips are gently pursed. The clear eyes are inlaid with original glass disks, and the interior has areas of original linen wrappings.
SIZE: H. 29 cm
CONDITION: Professional restoration on the paint and the plaster, overall in fine condition
Period and Time
Period and Time
This mask dates to the Ptolemaic Period (305–30 B.C.E.), a fascinating era when Egypt was ruled by a dynasty of Greek origin following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Founded by Ptolemy I, a general under Alexander, the Ptolemaic dynasty blended Greek and Egyptian traditions, resulting in a unique cultural fusion visible in art, religion, and daily life.
While the rulers bore Greek names and followed Hellenistic customs, they also embraced ancient Egyptian religious practices, styling themselves as Pharaohs and patrons of Egyptian temples. Art from this period often reflects this dual identity — and funerary masks like this one embody that blend, combining Egyptian stylistic features with Greek-influenced naturalism.
This period came to an end with the famous reign of Cleopatra VII, and Egypt’s eventual annexation by Rome in 30 B.C.E., marking the close of over three millennia of ancient Egyptian rule.
Material
Material
This funerary mask is crafted from gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral commonly used in ancient Egyptian funerary art. Gypsum was valued for its smooth texture, ease of carving, and ability to hold pigments well — making it ideal for creating lifelike features. The surface was carefully painted with natural pigments to depict flesh tones, hair, and detailed facial features, while the eyes were inlaid with glass disks to enhance realism. Some masks of this type were reinforced or backed with linen and plaster, especially during the Ptolemaic period when burial practices evolved to incorporate both Greek and Egyptian artistic elements.
