Egyptian Death Masks.
Ancient Egyptians believed that it is very important to preserve a body of the dead because the soul has to have a place where to dwell after the death. Preservation of the dead body was done by mummification - a process that involved removing of the internal organs and placing it in canopic jars, wrapping body in linen and embalming. It was also considered very important for the soul to be able to recognize the body so it can return to it. For that reason were used death masks. Death masks were made in the likeness of the deceased and from the different materials. Early masks were made from wood, in two pieces and connected with pegs. After that Egyptians used, so-called, cartonnage, a material made from papyrus or linen and soaked in plaster and then moulded on a wooden mould. That was, of course, a cheap version intended for lower class. Royal death masks were made from precious metals, first of all - gold or gold leaves on bronze. One of the most famous funerary masks is the mask of the Tutankhamen. All death masks were made to resemble deceased but with a slightly enlarged eyes and a faint smile and also showed fashion of the moment with painted jewellery and makeup. These death masks later evolved into full body inner coffins in the human shape with same decorations and ornaments.
Year 3 have been designing and making their own fantastic Egyptian Death Masks, take a look:
Ancient Egyptians believed that it is very important to preserve a body of the dead because the soul has to have a place where to dwell after the death. Preservation of the dead body was done by mummification - a process that involved removing of the internal organs and placing it in canopic jars, wrapping body in linen and embalming. It was also considered very important for the soul to be able to recognize the body so it can return to it. For that reason were used death masks. Death masks were made in the likeness of the deceased and from the different materials. Early masks were made from wood, in two pieces and connected with pegs. After that Egyptians used, so-called, cartonnage, a material made from papyrus or linen and soaked in plaster and then moulded on a wooden mould. That was, of course, a cheap version intended for lower class. Royal death masks were made from precious metals, first of all - gold or gold leaves on bronze. One of the most famous funerary masks is the mask of the Tutankhamen. All death masks were made to resemble deceased but with a slightly enlarged eyes and a faint smile and also showed fashion of the moment with painted jewellery and makeup. These death masks later evolved into full body inner coffins in the human shape with same decorations and ornaments.
Year 3 have been designing and making their own fantastic Egyptian Death Masks, take a look:
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