Asta Bidspirit | EGYPTIAN GILDED MASK WITH OBSIDIAN

EGYPTIAN GILDED MASK WITH OBSIDIAN EYES - Late Period, Ca. 713 - 332 BC.A sarcophagus gilt mask carved from finely-grained cedar wood. The almond-shaped eyes are inlaid with obsidian in blue glass frames. Its nose is broad with flared nostrils, full lips with slightly indented corners, a rounded chin, and smooth cheeks, all beneath a wide headdress that sits low on the forehead. These masks were stylised and idealised portraits of the deceased and served an important role in Egyptian funerary rituals. For similar see: The British Museum, Museum Number 1897,0511.188.Size: 270mm x 140mm; Weight: 1.51kgProvenance: Private UK collection, acquired on the US art market pre 2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.