Mummy mask of a woman

This mask depicts a woman as if lying flat on her bier. She is adorned with a long, Egyptian-style wig crafted from plant fibres, a deep-red tunic featuring black clavi (stripes), and jewellery that includes a lunula (crescent-shaped pendant) and snake bracelets. Two holes at the lower edge of the tunic allowed the mask to be securely attached to the mummy.

The mask closely resembles others found in Meir and was almost certainly created there. The back of the head rests on a decorated support, while a gilded wreath encircles the top of her head, featuring a scarab beetle—a symbol of the rising sun and a metaphor for rebirth.

Intricate patterns fill the spaces and surrounding areas of the mask. The sides display tyet knots and djed pillars, symbols associated with Isis and Osiris. A prominent register encircles the mask, centred on the god Osiris, the source of regeneration, flanked by Isis and Nephthys. On the right side are depictions of Horus, Amun-Re, Thoth, and Re, while the left side features Tefnut, Hathor, and Seshat. These deities act as witnesses to the resurrection of the deceased.

Plaster masks like this were especially popular in Middle Egypt during the Roman Period. While rooted in Egyptian traditions, they often displayed individualized features and incorporated Roman influences in hairstyles, clothing, and jewellery.

Summary:

Mummy Mask of a Woman

Roman Period, c. 60–70 A.D.

From Meir, Asyut

Cartonnage, plaster, paint, plant fibres

Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number 19.2.6