Sarcophagus Mask in Granodiorite — Idealized Face, Late Period with Certificate of Authenticity

Funerary mask in hard stone (fine-grained granodiorite) depicting a youthful face beneath a “cap-style” wig.
The modeling is precise and perfectly consistent with Late Period workshops: soft brow arches, taut upper eyelids, finely incised inner canthi, straight nasal ridge, and slightly curved lips forming a subtle smile.
The ancient polish varies delicately — more pronounced on the cheekbones, nose, and lips — and leaves in the background areas a tool-marked surface punctuated with regular micro-chiselings (roughing with hammer and point chisel, followed by abrasive finishing).

The frontal border of the wig is clearly defined by a continuous incised groove; at the top of the “cap,” a small ancient impact, rounded and stable, is visible.
The ridges show minute historical abrasions, consistent with the patina.
At the back, the ancient break is sharp and crystalline: the raw, unsawn structure reveals quartz and feldspar scintillations and biotite flakes — an impeccable material signature of an ancient fracture.
 

Characteristics

• Culture / Period: Egypt, Late Period, 664–332 B.C. (stylistically close to the XXVIᵗʰ Dynasty)

• Material: Granodiorite (dark diorite) with light specks of quartz/feldspar and brown micas

• Dimensions: 16 × 12 cm (without base); approx. 22.2 cm (with base)

• Weight: approx. 5 kg (including base)

• Condition: Very good; satin patina, minute historical abrasions (nasal tip, wig edge), no restoration

Historical Context

During the Late Period, stone funerary masks complemented the sarcophagi of high-ranking individuals.
The use of hard stones — diorite and granodiorite — symbolized permanence and status.
The codified iconography (elongated gaze, serene mouth, enveloping wig) aimed to ensure the transfiguration of the deceased into eternity.

Formal and Material Analysis of the Specimen

• Wig (“cap type”): Regular hemispherical volume, clear frontal border; on the rear right quadrant, a rounded ancient bruise without active cracking.

• Eyes: Almond-shaped and perfectly symmetrical; sharp upper eyelid, fuller lower one; inner canthi carved in “V” shape; no modern reworking.

• Nose & Mouth: Straight nasal dorsum, slightly softened tip from wear; rolled lips with visible labio-mental groove — a refined detail typical of the Saite repertoire.

• Stone Surface: Alternation of ancient polish and tool-point texturing, with slight “orange peel” texture in recessed areas; no traces of modern sawing or rotary grinding.

• Visible Mineralogy: Dark matrix sprinkled with light quartz/feldspar inclusions and shimmering biotite; natural gleam consistent with ancient surface friction.

• Back: Irregular break plane with unrounded sparkling crystals, unaffected by modern tools, confirming an ancient separation.

These observations are consistent with the geological report by R. L. Bonewitz (TL05402):
identification of granodiorite, low-set wig with incised hairline, clearly defined lips, and deliberately youthful rendering.

Cultural Value

A museum-grade work, emblematic of Late Period funerary canons, carved in prestige stone.
The refinement of the features, the legibility of the carving process, and the exceptional state of preservation make this piece a reference specimen for any collection of Egyptian art.

Provenance & Guarantees

Provenance:
Private collection of a healthcare professional (United States); previously French collection; acquired in 2012 from a New York gallery; formerly Maurice Nahman Collection (Cairo, from 1950), then by descent.

Documentation file (copies on record):
– Interpol AIAD search no. 10900-180444 (negative result)
– Geological report by R. L. Bonewitz no. TL05402 (petrographic characterization)
– French export license no. 227349 (category 1B)
– Spanish import license no. I/1734/2024
– Technical report by Dr. Alberto Maria Pollastrini
– Certificate of authenticity

Shipping Delay — Essential Information

A period of 5 to 20 working days may apply before dispatch, required for the complete compilation of the documentation file, traceability verification, consolidation of supporting documents, and coordination of insurance and logistics procedures.
These operations, conducted under the regulations governing the circulation of cultural property, condition the physical release of the piece.
Shipment occurs only after all required authorizations are obtained, with full tracking and delivery against signature.

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