Circa 1069-730 BC, Third Intermediate Period An object of beauty and imagination; a mask from the lid of an anthropoid coffin, painted in pigment over gesso, yellow for the skin tone, a heavily drawn outline for the eyebrows and pupil, the sclera in a clear white pigment. The eyes and mouth have been carved with eternity and care in mind; although the nose has been partially lost we can the detail and carving has been done to a high stand. The mouth projecting the slightest, gentle smile which for the Egyptians held a symbolic belief that it would assist in a peaceful and solemn afterlife. The neck gently protruding from the head with remains of cartonnage remaining. Mounted on a custom-made display stand. The mummy mask was an essential part of burial and acted as protection but would also act as a substitute for the mummified head should it be lost or damaged. The Egyptians hoped to be able to continue their lives after death, through a strong belief in an afterlife. For this to be achieved, the deceased needed to be given a proper burial. The image of the deceased was essential to gain entry to the afterlife. Without eyes, the deceased will not see, without ears, the deceased is unable to hear the questions being ask, without a mouth the deceased is unable to say their name during the Final Judgment. John H. Taylor, Egyptian Coffins. Aylesbury, Bucks: Shire Publications, Inc., 1989. Christies, Lot 7, 5th June 2014. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession Number: 2016.123. Size: L:160mm / W:140mm; 220g Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman; formerly acquired in early 2000s; previously in 1970s UK collection.