Polychrome and gilt cartonnage mask with a headband, sun disc, winged scarab, elaborate floral collar, and the god Osiris seated holding a crook and flail. Provenance: Ex- Hugh Stanley Russell Collection, Worcestershire, formed between the 1950s and 1970s. Acquired at Bonhams, 2005.

In ancient Egypt, masks were primarily used for two purposes: as death masks and as ritual masks.

Ancient Egyptians believed that it is very important to preserve a body of the dead because the soul has to have a place where to dwell after the death. Preservation of the dead body was done by mummification - a process that involved removing of the internal organs and placing it in canopic jars, wrapping body in linen and embalming. It was also considered very important for the soul to be able to recognize the body so it can return to it. For that reason were used death masks made in the likeness of the deceased and from the different materials. These death masks later evolved into a full body inner coffins in the human shape.

Ritual masks were worn by priests during rituals. They were made in the likeness of animal heads, heads of gods of ancient Egypt. Priest would wear a mask on his head and it would cover his shoulders. Head of the mask was also taller than a priest’s head so he was constrained to look through two small holes on the neck of the mask. Other gods and goddesses also had their masks. Religion in the Ancient Egypt was very important. Temples were places where gods lived and statues of gods were gods themselves. Everything considering the religion was shrouded in mystery. Priest who wore a mask of a god during a ceremony would become an avatar of god, an embodiment of god himself. Priest would speak his words and convey his will.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.