POLYCROME PAINTED MUMMY MASK

POLYCROME PAINTED MUMMY MASK

Cartonnage mask, striped wig with frontal striped band of reticulated or checkerboard pattern at either side of the lappets as well as above the hairband; between the lappets a broad collar is visible on the chest, displaying a decoration of lotus flowers, small circles or dots, and other elements, probably imitating strings of beads. Above forehead, a diadem or striped headband with a central sun disk; partly on the forehead and partly on top of the head the depiction of a vulture, its wings spread in a sign of protection, wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt as a representation of the goddess Nekhbet. A sun disk near the head of the goddess, carrying two round objects in her talons, probably shen signs, symbolising eternity, from which a ribbon runs to either side, mixing with the stripes on the lappets of the wig

Ex Swiss priv. coll. F.D.; with Alexander Ancient Art, 2013; Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger, Germany, Jan. 2006, lot 849; previously German priv. coll., acq. around 1975. With Art Loss Register certificate.
H. 43 cm.

Graeco-Roman Period, circa 1st cent. B.C. – 1st cent. AD