Funerary Mask

Art Historical Context

This funerary mask, created during Egypt’s Roman Period in the1st–4th century A.D., reflects the blending of ancient Egyptian burial traditions with Roman influences. Crafted from plaster and painted to capture the likeness of the deceased, such masks were placed over the face of a mummy to help preserve the individual’s identity for the afterlife. The modest size—roughly 19 centimeters high—suggests it may have been made for a child or young person, offering a poignant glimpse into personal loss in the ancient world. The use of plaster allowed artisans to mold realistic facial features while...