A death mask in ancient Egypt was a facial covering crafted in the likeness of the deceased.
Purpose of Egyptian Death Masks
The primary purpose of the death mask was to help the soul of the deceased recognize its own body. Egyptians believed that the soul needed to return to its physical form to be led by the Egyptian god Anubis and then to be judged in the afterlife. Without a recognizable body, this journey and judgment were thought impossible. The death mask acted as a vital link in the transition to the afterlife.
Construction and Materials
Death masks were created using a variety of materials, such as:
- Gold: Often used for royalty and the very wealthy, as gold was seen as the flesh of the gods and symbolized immortality.
- Linen and Plaster: These were used for less affluent individuals, with the plaster molded to the face and then often decorated or painted.
- Cartonnage: This material used layers of linen or papyrus covered in plaster.
Examples
Perhaps the most famous death mask is that of Tutankhamun, which was made of solid gold and inlaid with semi-precious stones. It serves as an exquisite example of the craftsmanship and artistry used in creating death masks.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow the soul to recognize and return to its body, aiding its journey to the afterlife. |
| Materials | Gold, linen and plaster, or cartonnage. |
| Significance | Critical in the Egyptian belief system about the afterlife. |
| Function | Served as a vital link between the earthly body and the soul's transition to the realm of the dead. |
| Process | Molded in the image of the deceased, sometimes with detailed facial features, wig, and jewelry depiction. |
Why They Matter
Death masks provide modern archaeologists with invaluable insights into the facial features and cultural beliefs of ancient Egyptians. They are not just burial artifacts but are important to understand the religious and artistic practices of this ancient civilization.
