A fine Ancient Egyptian restrung beaded mummy mask, composed of small flat cylindrical faience beads. The main body of the mask is comprised of olive green beads, and is framed by brighter green, turquoise-coloured beads. Detailing of the features has been created in black beads outlining the eyes and eyebrows, with yellow and red for the nose and mouth. Yellow beads fill in the eyes. The neck of the mask displays parallel stripes of green. All beads display range of hues. Some minor wear to the beads consistent with age. Masks of this type rose to popularity in the Late Period of Ancient Egypt. Such masks served both decorative and symbolic importance, as according to the ancient Egyptian tradition, the burial of the dead was an elaborate course of ritualisation. Their unnatural style combined with the similarity to many other beaded masks indicate they were unlikely to be modelled after the deceased individual. Instead, they are mostly interpreted as a generic image of a human face. Such masks may use to serve as visual representation of the god Osiris, as accordingly to the blue-greenish colour normally reserved for depiction of the god of dead, resurrection and life. Measurements: (circa) L 9.2cm x W 11.8cm Provenance: from Mariaud de Serres collection, Paris 1980s-90s.