Description:

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A hand-carved wooden sarcophagus mask of a rounded face with nose, lips, and elongated eyes- all would have been brightly painted and remains of white gesso are visible and a black on the left pupil. Mummy masks were principally used to protect the face of the deceased, but they could also act as a substitute for the mummified head in the case of loss or damage. In addition, the ancient Egyptians believed that the "ba" (often incorrectly translated as "spirit") could leave the tomb and travel freely in the world of the living. To make sure that upon returning it would recognize the mummy, whose face was hidden by layers of bandages, the mask functioned as a portrait- although the features were usually stylized. Size: 6.25" L x 2.25" W x 7.75" H (15.9 cm x 5.7 cm x 19.7 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, USA collection, acquired from Morris Khouli in 2022; ex-New York City, New York, USA collection, from the 1990s

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#178296

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures, Losses to chin, top of head and surface wear throughout as shown. Light remains of pigments to some areas of face.

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July 21, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000