Art Across the Ages, A Selection of Treasured Works

 

Artist

Maker Unknown

Nationality

Egyptian

Title of Work

Egyptian Mummy-Bead Mask

Preview

image preview

Date of Work

Late period, 664-535 BCE

Medium

Egyptian faience

Height

5"

Width

7"

Collection/Provenance

Art & Design Study Collection

Status

Stored: S3D

Location

UND Art Collections Repository

Additional Information

The mummy-bead mask was made during Dynasty XXVI, the last period of native Egyptian rule prior to conquest by Persia in 525 BCE.

Originally placed over the wrappings on the face of a mummy, the mask portrays the departed with the beard of Osiris, god of the dead. The beads of the mask have been restrung.

Dynasty XXVI was the last period of native Egyptian rule prior conquest by Persia in 525 BCE.

In colors of bright red, yellow, black, white, blue and green. High quality ancient beads, re-strung to original configuration. The mask, representing the face of the deceased, would have been attached to the wrappings of the mummy over the facial area. It depicts the deceased wearing the beard of Osiris, a symbol of his hope for reincarnation.

Condition

Very good.

Condition Notes

Restrung beads

COinS