People started making death masks more than 3000 years ago, with the practice first traced to the ancient Egyptians.
Early Origins: Ancient Egypt
Based on historical tracing, the creation of death masks dates back significantly in time. The provided information specifically links their origins to the ancient civilization along the Nile.
- Timeline: The practice can be traced back more than 3000 years ago.
- Originators: The ancient Egyptians are identified as the culture that initially developed this tradition.
- Purpose: In ancient Egypt, these masks served a crucial role. They were used to cover the faces of mummies. The belief was that these masks would:
- Strengthen the mummy's spirit.
- Guard its soul from evil.
This early use in funerary practices highlights the significant symbolic and spiritual meaning attributed to death masks from their very beginnings.
