Human Remains; Mummified Head with Bead Mask

The mummified head is thickly bandaged with the upper edge of the bead facial mask held in place by a linen strip round the forehead, the threads of which are tied at the back of the head. The mask consists of a net of faience disc shaped beads of red, black, yellow and white (estimated to be 2000 beads by the conservator who treated the mask in 2016/7). At the sides are the remains of a network of long faience beads which once covered the neck. It was probably originally finished by an elaborate collar of disc beads round the neck below the beard. X-rays taken in November 1966 show that the head has been detached from the body at the level of the 4th cervical vertebra. There are no obvious fractures. The mouth is closed and all teeth appear to be present and free from abnormal changes. X-rayed in November 1966 (Gray and Slow, 1968 pp 66-67). Purchased in 1920 from the Committee of the Institute of Archaeology, Liverpool, along with two pottery jars, a string of beads and pot containing two skeletons (now unlocated). Compare with AMM 5 in The National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden.