About this artwork
This head is a fragment from the lid of a sarcophagus whose complete shape evoked a human form, from
head to feet. The deeply cut eyebrows and eyes— together with the cosmetic lines that extend from their outer corners—once held inlays made from other materials (probably copper alloy and glass). Ancient Egyptians crafted sarcophagi to protect mummified bodies from damage and decay, a necessary step in ensuring a person’s continued existence in the afterlife. Coffins served the same purpose but were made from wood, clay, metal, or cartonnage (hardened linen and plaster) instead of stone.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 50
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
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Title
- Head From an Anthropoid Sarcophagus Lid
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Place
- Egypt (Object made in)
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Date
- 332 BCE–30 BCE
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Medium
- Limestone
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Dimensions
- 44 × 47.5 × 34 cm (17 3/8 × 18 3/4 × 13 7/16 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Henry H. Getty, Charles L. Hutchinson, Robert H. Fleming, and Norman W. Harris
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Reference Number
- 1894.388
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/136743/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.