Ancient Egyptian wooden face from Abydos dated 945 – 715 BC

Wooden human face. From an anthropoid coffin lid. Two holes through the temple to the back, with dowels broken off in them, for attachment, as well as one possible hole behind the chin. There is also a hole below the chin, possibly for a false White paint or gesso covers most of the face, with patches of colour and a yellowed top, possibly resin also remaining. Blue outline to the eyes and black pupils are clear, as is a chunk of coloured plaster above the right eye. Above the incised hairline of linen remain stuck to the wood, over which the plaster and paint were added. No linen appears over the finely modelled facial features.

Ancient Egyptian wooden face from Abydos dated 945 – 715 BC

Object details

  • Latitude: 26.185
  • Longitude: 31.918889