An Egyptian Beadwork Mummy Mask, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

In the Late Period, it became the fashion for mummies of the wealthy to be adorned with a network of beads. Into these nets were often woven face masks and figures of deities. These might be molded in faience or made up as mosaics of small beads of different colors. This face mask is an example of the latter method; composed of small beads of red, yellow, blue, and black, set within a net of blue tubular beads (a few remaining along the edges).

Dimensions: Height: 6 inches (15.2 cm), Width: 5 1/2 inches (14 cm)

Condition:  Original stringing, some missing beads to outer edges, overall intact and in excellent condition overall.

Provenance: Private Virginia collection, acquired from the trade in 2010. Previously, private Californian collection, acquired in the 1970's.