Label TextGroup label with 91.80.113 and 91.80.114:
During the long course of ancient Egyptian history, many of the customs concerning death and burial remained remarkably similar. One aspect that underwent subtle change, however, was mummification. Throughout the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1069-664 B.C.), it was common to envelop the entire bandaged body of the deceased in cartonnage. This consisted of linen reinforced with plaster that was molded to conform to the outline of the embalmed body. During the Ptolemaic Period (305-30 B.C.), the use of cartonnage was confined to certain portions of the mummy, such as the head, chest, stomach, thighs, and feet. While these cartonnage sections are probably from three different mummies, they give an idea of the appearance of this later treatment.
The mummy mask shown here displays an interesting blend of Egyptian and Hellenistic Greek features, although its overall appearance is very much in keeping with traditional Egyptian funerary art. Noteworthy are the Hellenistic Greek curls that emerge from beneath the Egyptian head cloth, and the gilt face with its lively eyes and expression.
(August 2002)
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
