EGYPTIAN WOODEN SARCOPHAGUS LID WITH GILDED MASK Late Period, 26th Dynasty, Ca. 664 - 525 BC A large and finely carved Egyptian wooden sarcophagus lid with painted stucco overlay depicting a gilded mask. The face is dominated by large, wide-open eyes and framed by a black and gold striped wig that leaves the ears free. Gold was chosen for the face of this mask because it was believed to be the colour of the flesh of the gods. By using it for the deceased's skin, the ancient artist indicated that he had entered the realm of the gods. Beads are painted on his chest to replicate the appearance of many necklaces. For similar see: Pelizaeus Museum Heidelberg, Inventory Number 5984. Size: 620mm x 390mm; Weight: 10.2kg Provenance: Private London collection, ex. US private collection. Ex. Andreasson family collection, purchased in Sweden, late 1960s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece is accompanied by a report from Simone Musso, consultant curator for Egyptian antiquities at the Stibbert Museum, Florence, Italy, member of the Nuri Archaeological Expedition.