Mask of a woman with a large coil of plaited hair
The plaster masks derive from pharaonic traditions, in which the mask served as a substitute for the head of the deceased and as a means of elevating him or her to immortal status. The derivation is often reflected in paintings and texts located on the mantle surrounding the head.
Like the painted mummy portraits, the masks suggest strongly individualized appearances and affect Roman fashions in hairstyle, jewelry, and dress. They follow, however, a somewhat different pattern. For example, female masks may have coiffures that combine Roman arrangements of the upper part of the hair with long corkscrew locks that were considered typically Egyptian.
Despite the seeming individuality of the masks, most faces were made in a mold. Distinguishing details were worked in the plaster with a spatula or knife. The ears were added separately, and sometimes eyes were inlaid with glass or stone. The mask was then frequently painted or gilded.
This woman's high coiled braid recalls portraits of the Empress Sabina. The softer arrangement of the front parts of her hair most likely reflects a local adaptation. Wisps of hair that have escaped confinement are painted around her forehead.
The matronly appearance of this woman is in keeping with second-century trends in all kinds of funerary portraiture, and the tendency of female masks of the time to adopt Roman-style facial features and hair more consistently than before has been observed.
Like the painted mummy portraits, the masks suggest strongly individualized appearances and affect Roman fashions in hairstyle, jewelry, and dress. They follow, however, a somewhat different pattern. For example, female masks may have coiffures that combine Roman arrangements of the upper part of the hair with long corkscrew locks that were considered typically Egyptian.
Despite the seeming individuality of the masks, most faces were made in a mold. Distinguishing details were worked in the plaster with a spatula or knife. The ears were added separately, and sometimes eyes were inlaid with glass or stone. The mask was then frequently painted or gilded.
This woman's high coiled braid recalls portraits of the Empress Sabina. The softer arrangement of the front parts of her hair most likely reflects a local adaptation. Wisps of hair that have escaped confinement are painted around her forehead.
The matronly appearance of this woman is in keeping with second-century trends in all kinds of funerary portraiture, and the tendency of female masks of the time to adopt Roman-style facial features and hair more consistently than before has been observed.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mask of a woman with a large coil of plaited hair
- Period: Roman Period, Hadrian
- Reign: reign of Hadrian
- Date: A.D. 117–138
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Plaster, paint, glass
- Dimensions: h. 21 cm (8 1/4 in); w. 11.5 cm (4 1/2 in)
- Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 1900
- Object Number: 00.2.10
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
Audio
3534. Mask of a woman with a large coil of plaited hair
0:00
0:00
We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. Please email info@metmuseum.org to request a transcript for this track.
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
A.D. 60–70
A.D. 140–190 probably
A.D. 270–280
A.D. 2nd century
A.D. 170–200
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.