Funerary mask

A high dignitary

Masks covering mummies' head and shoulders appeared in the Middle Kingdom. Their role was probably to preserve the head of the deceased in the afterlife, with the sense organs essential to survival intact. This superb example belonged to a high dignitary of the late 18th dynasty. In a perfectly oval face of idealized youthfulness, the large, slightly slanted eyes impose their intense gaze. The corners of the mouth and the nostrils are magically opened with black paint so that the deceased may eat and breath in the afterlife.

Gold of recompense

The two rows of small beads at the centre of the necklace, near the neck, are part of what the ancient Egyptians called 'gold of recompense', precious objects offered as a reward to deserving civil servants. Several great dignitaries of the late 18th dynasty benefited from this honour, like Maya, the famous treasurer of Tutankhamun.

Inv. E.6884