EGYPTIAN GILDED MUMMY MASK

New Kingdom, Ca. 1550-1069 BC
A gilded sarcophagus mask carved from finely-grained cedar wood. It is presented with inlaid marble and obsidian, almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose with flared nostrils, full lips with slightly indented corners, a rounded chin, and smooth cheeks, all beneath a wide headdress that sits low on the forehead. Remains of the original dowel holes can be seen on the reverse. These masks were stylised and idealised portraits of the deceased individual and served an important role in Egyptian funerary rituals. The item comes with a custom-made stand. The piece is accompanied by a historical report by Simone Musso, consultant curator for the Egyptian antiquities at the Stibbert Museum, Florence, Italy, member of the Nuri Archaeological Expedition.
Size: L:250mm / W:210mm excl. stand ; 1.11kg
Provenance: Property of a central London gallery; formerly with M.C., acquired on the US art market pre-2000. This item has been checked against the Art Loss Register database.
Estimate: GBP 3000 - 6000