Sarcophagus mask, wood, Ancient Egypt, 1st century BC – AD 1st century
4600,00 zł
Carved wooden mask derived from the lid or front of an anthropoid sarcophagus, the relief depicting an idealized portrait of the deceased in front. Originally covered with polychrome. The mask adapted for wall hanging.
1 in stock
Symbolism
Sarcophagus mask in Egypt was intended to preserve the individual characteristics of the deceased and ensure his recognition in the hereafter. It was believed that Ka (soul) must recognize the body in order to unite with it and live forever.
Historical context
The object dates back to the time of Egypt's funerary culture was already under Hellenistic and Roman influence, but still retained ancient rituals. Wooden tomb masks were a cheaper alternative to gold and carton masks. They were often custom-made for the families of lower-ranking priests and wealthy artisans.
Collector's value
Authentic items from Egypt, especially wooden sarcophagus masks, are rare in private collections. The object has high museum, exhibition and educational value; ideal for art collections ancient Egypt, a private collection of curios or as an unusual interior decoration.
Artistic qualities
Despite its simplified form, the mask retains classical Egyptian proportions. The lack of a beard and the way the hair is depicted (rather than a wig) correspond to the transformation of Greco-Roman fashion.
The face of a dead man from two thousand years ago?
Sarcophagus masks were once the most popular souvenir imported from Egypt - showy, not as cumbersome as the entire sarcophagus. It was easy to separate it from the lid, to which it was attached with dowels. Masks were sometimes made with great artistry - beautifully carved and painted. Traditionally, the face in a male sarcophagus was painted brown, and in a female sarcophagus yellow. Over time, there is also the color gold, referring to the body color of the gods, green - the color of rebirth and Osiris, as well as a more naturalistic pink or cream color. Sometimes the mask was not painted, marking only the details with a black line. In the late period, the depiction of the deceased became significantly simplified, rarely reflecting his individual features.
Origins
The mask comes from the Geneva auction "Genève Enchères".
Auction link: https://www.geneve-encheres.ch/lots/deux-masques-de-sarcophage-egypte-ier-millenaire
Are you looking for unusual items?
Looking for unique items from ancient Egypt, authentic tomb masks and sacred ancient sculptures? In the SYBARIS collection, you'll find original items from the Pharaonic era that bring the spirit of the past into contemporary spaces. Discover our selection Egyptian artifacts, funerary sculptures and curios from bygone eras - for collectors, lovers of spirituality and researchers of history.
| Weight | 0,881 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 28 × 10 × 10 cm |
| Type |
Sarcophagus mask |
| Form |
Face of the deceased, relief with characteristic idealized frontal shot |
| Style |
Egyptian Ptolemaic style with elements of Hellenistic simplification |
| State of preservation |
Very good for its age – preserved form, visible surface losses, no polychromy |
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