Excellent Egyptian Casque in Cartonnage, 3rd Century B.C. to 1st Century B.C. Rare Egyptian casque made of cartonnage from the 3rd-1st Century B.C.
The Casque was basically armor for the head to sheath and protect the upper torso and head of a mummy. It was thought at the time the casque ensured that vital functions such as seeing, breathing and eating would be restored to the owner after death.
Cartonnage is the term used in Egyptology and Papyrology for plastered layers of fibre or papyrus, flexible enough for moulding while wet against the irregular surfaces of the body especially the head.
This example, 12" tall is decorated with the hawk of Horus wearing a solar crown, 12 marching figures of Anubis in the the background and having a very realistic visage. Overall, in very good condition (left side drape of the khat is missing) with some professional conservation noted.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 4,000
From the collection of Nancy and Earl Keefer.
Antiquities
