Egyptian Masks The beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians concentrated not only on their daily life but also the prospect of life after death - the eternal afterlife.

Egyptian Masks The beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians concentrated not only on their daily life but also the prospect of life after death - the eternal afterlife.

The Ancient Egyptians used elaborate masks to great effect The Ancient Egyptians used elaborate masks to great effect. Egyptian masks were generally used as: Death Masks Ritual Masks

Funerary Masks Egyptians believed that preserving the body in death by the process of mummification was important to keep their soul alive Without a physical body the soul had no place to dwell and became restless forever. Death masks were used to cover the face of mummies and ensure that the spirit of the dead person was able to recognize the body.

Royal death or funerary masks, such as the fabulous Golden Death Mask of Tutankhamen, King Tut, were made of gold in the image of the deceased.

Egyptian gold was believed to have a magical power. Gold did not tarnish or deteriorate. Gold shone like the sun god Ra (Atum) and was therefore credited with the powers of the sun god.

Other death masks, or burial masks, were made of linen or papyrus and painted to look like gold.  

 The purpose of the death masks, or burial masks, was to provide the dead with a face in the afterlife. Death masks were made for both Egyptian men and women.

Egyptian Ritual Masks The Ancient Egyptians also made use of masks during sacred ceremonies and rituals. The religion of the Ancient Egyptians was extremely important to them and touched every aspect of their life.

Temples were believed to be the dwelling places of the gods and the statues of the gods were believed to be the embodiment of the god, hence the offerings of food and drink.

Their religion was surrounded by mystery - only priests and the Pharaoh were allowed into the temples.

Egyptian masks were used during sacred ceremonies and rituals and increased the levels of mystic and fear which surrounded their religion.

The Death rituals of the Egyptians included a priest wearing a mask of the jackal headed god Anubis. Other masks, mirroring the images of other gods and goddesses, were also used in rituals involving magic, spells and incantations.

Let’s look at how we are going to make our Egyptian masks! We will be using the following materials: Plaster strips Vaseline Paper towel Towels (your own) Bowl of water Scissors Plastic wrap

You will begin by creating the face mask

Each group will consist of 3 artists Each group will consist of 3 artists. You will have water, strips, Vaseline, paper towel, and scissors. After you ‘prep’ your model, you will begin plastering.

The model’s hair will be pulled back with a hair band The model’s hair will be pulled back with a hair band. The model’s face will be covered with a piece of plastic wrap leaving an opening for the nose. Finally, Vaseline will be placed around the nose or any open areas.

The makers will begin applying the plaster strips, one at a time, by moistening them with water and placing them on the face. After ‘outlining’ the face, work from the forehead to the chin.

As you plaster, check in with your model to ensure he/she is doing fine. Your model will ‘signal’ to let you know. Never, ever leave your model alone!

Most people find the process very relaxing Most people find the process very relaxing. Some of you may even fall asleep!

Samples of Student Work