Anubis mask

 

 

Mask in the form of the jackal head Anubis, ancient Egyptian god of embalming and the dead.

 

During funeral services the coffin was held upright in front of the tomb by a priest wearing a mask of the jackal god Anubis.

 

 

It is one of only three surviving masks made for the living and the only one allowing the wearer to speak.

 

It would have been worn by a priest over 2000 years ago, during funeral rituals such as the 'Opening of the Mouth' ceremony when the mouth, eyes, nose and ears of the mummy were touched to restore the senses.

 

 It is made of cartonnage, layers of linen and papyrus, stiffened with plaster and then painted.

 

This mask once had a home in the North Yorkshire farmhouse of Benjamin or 'Benny' Kent. (1884-1968).

 

C.600-300 BC.

Southern Egypt. Unknown Provenance.