Ancient Egypt, Late Period Wood Mummy Mask from a Coffin or Sarcophagus - 18 cm
15
days
08
hours
19
minutes
38
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,700
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This original wooden mummy mask from a coffin or sarcophagus is from Ancient Egypt, dating to the Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, circa 664–30 BC.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare ancient Egyptian wooden funerary mask with finely carved facial features and well-preserved traces of its original polychrome decoration. The elongated face displays almond-shaped eyes with carefully modelled eyelids, a slender straight nose, and a small closed mouth. A simple headband or the lower edge of a wig is visible above the forehead, although much of the original coiffure has been lost over time.
The surface retains remarkable remnants of the original painted decoration. Particularly notable are the reddish-ochre flesh tones and the black-painted details defining the eyebrows and hairline, lending the mask a striking and expressive appearance. The wood exhibits an attractive dry archaeological patina with characteristic age-related wear.
The reverse is hollowed out, a typical feature of carved wooden face masks that were attached to coffins or mummy cases. Such masks served to present the deceased in an idealised form and to preserve their identity for eternity in the afterlife. They were among the most significant elements of ancient Egyptian funerary equipment.
The restrained yet dignified modelling, combined with the surviving original polychromy, makes this piece an authentic example of Egyptian funerary art from the Late Period.
Condition:
Wood with age-related shrinkage cracks, minor losses and surface wear. Extensive remains of the original painted decoration survive. Hollowed on the reverse. Overall in good, unrestored condition with an attractive archaeological patina.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Rare ancient Egyptian wooden funerary mask with finely carved facial features and well-preserved traces of its original polychrome decoration. The elongated face displays almond-shaped eyes with carefully modelled eyelids, a slender straight nose, and a small closed mouth. A simple headband or the lower edge of a wig is visible above the forehead, although much of the original coiffure has been lost over time.
The surface retains remarkable remnants of the original painted decoration. Particularly notable are the reddish-ochre flesh tones and the black-painted details defining the eyebrows and hairline, lending the mask a striking and expressive appearance. The wood exhibits an attractive dry archaeological patina with characteristic age-related wear.
The reverse is hollowed out, a typical feature of carved wooden face masks that were attached to coffins or mummy cases. Such masks served to present the deceased in an idealised form and to preserve their identity for eternity in the afterlife. They were among the most significant elements of ancient Egyptian funerary equipment.
The restrained yet dignified modelling, combined with the surviving original polychromy, makes this piece an authentic example of Egyptian funerary art from the Late Period.
Condition:
Wood with age-related shrinkage cracks, minor losses and surface wear. Extensive remains of the original painted decoration survive. Hollowed on the reverse. Overall in good, unrestored condition with an attractive archaeological patina.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is therefore documented through the family's continuous ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Late Period
Century/timeframe
Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664–30 BC
Name of object
Mummy Mask from a Coffin or Sarcophagus
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Wood
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
18 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
11 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
6 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
