Alo, and welcome to Egypt! Here in ancient Egypt, masks have a long and rich history! Masks first appeared in the Middle Kingdom (2040 – 1786 BC) and were used until the 1st Century AD (Dunn). During the Middle Kingdom period, masks were just developing; experimental wooden structures mark the beginning of mask making in Egypt (Dunn). These structures were comprised of two pieces of wood that were fitted together and held by wooden pegs. Both the male and female versions of these masks were created with over-exaggerated eyes and enigmatic smiles (Dunn). These masks were framed with long, narrow, tripartite wigs that were held in place by a decorative headband (Dunn). The “bib” of the mask extended over the wearer’s chest and was decorated, for both men and women, with elaborate beading, floral motif necklaces or broad collars, which not only gave the piece an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but served the apotropaic purposes set out by funerary spells.
Funerary practices were the main purpose of masks in ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians believed that when someone died, they would be in a very fragile state of transformation; they must transcend their physical state in this world, and complete their spiritual journey into the next world where their divine transformation will be complete (Dunn). The mask provides a safe channel for this ascension to occur and transforms the mortal into a divine state. These masks were made from plaster that was either molded directly onto the deceased’s face or on top of linen wrappings. Apart from their transformational value, the main focus for masks in funerary practices was preservation. The masks were used in order to protect and preserve the deceased’s head (Dunn). The mask also served as a substitute, “head,” if the real head succumbed to decay (Dunn). In terms of appearance, the mask was made to be an idealized version of the deceased, depicting them as an immortal being (Dunn). Those who were wealthy enough would have their mask covered in gold and a blue wig placed upon it in order to symbolize the glittering skin and the Lapis Lazuli hair of the Sun God (Dunn). The eyes, eyebrows and other facial features were completed following the directions given in the Book of the Dead.
Initially, these lavish masks were made only for the royal family. After some time, however, the masks were made available to the elite class. Unfortunately, the lower class was never allowed to use masks, therefore the deceased lower class was not allotted the same assistance into the afterlife, making the journey dangerous and difficult.
There is also record of masks depicted in Egyptian art. Anthropomorphic beings with heads of animals, birds and other fantastic creatures are common figures in Egyptian art (Dunn). These figures are most likely the priests, priestesses and magicians that would adorn masks to disguise themselves as divine beings. Those with the mask of a jackal, for example, are portraying the deity Anubis (Dunn). By disguising themselves as these divine entities, they would be able to exert the power associated with that entity, making them very powerful and influential people (Dunn). This power was given to them with the aid of the mask, which shows the influence of masks in Ancient Egyptian culture.