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Face from a mummy mask

Egyptian
New Kingdom, Dynasty 18
1550–1295 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Abydos, Tomb D 115

Medium/Technique Painted plaster
Dimensions Overall: 6.8 x 6.5cm (2 11/16 x 2 9/16in.)
Credit Line Egypt Exploration Fund by subscription
Accession Number01.7436
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsTomb equipmentMasks

DescriptionMold-made plaster faces, attached to cartonnage masks, appeared in the early New Kingdom. In this example, which still retains the ears and the front portion of the cartonnage mask, the face is painted yellow to represent gold. The pattern of red, yellow and blue stripes on the headdress indicates that it was a royal nemes headdress. The lack of a ceremonial beard or beard band suggests that this mask belonged to a woman.
ProvenanceFrom Abydos, tomb D 115. 1901: excavated by William Matthew Flinders Petrie for the Egypt Exploration Fund, assigned to the Egypt Exploration Fund in the division of finds by the government of Egypt, received by the MFA through subscription to the Egypt Exploration Fund. (Accession Date: August 1, 1901)