Funerary Mask of a Woman

Funerary masks, or death masks, have their origins in Ancient Egypt and were a way to ensure the deceased's safe passage in the afterlife. Masks were made in the likeness of the wearer from a material similar to papier-maché called cartonnage. After the deceased was mummified, the funerary mask would be affixed to the face.Masks mirrored the wearer's beauty practices in life. This funerary mask of a woman wears a voluminous, braided wig, necklaces, and pendants. Her adornments and gold on the mask indicate the woman was of high status.