human mummy; mummy-mask; cartonnage; bead-net; mummy-wrapping

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human mummy; mummy-mask; cartonnage; bead-net; mummy-wrapping

Object Type: human mummy; mummy-mask; cartonnage; bead-net; mummy-wrapping
Museum number: EA20745
Description: Mummy of Irethoreru, a man aged between 40 and 50 years, with a gilded cartonnage mummy-mask.His mask presents a lifelike, yet idealized image. It appears to have been attached to the foundation layer of resin which was applied directly to the bandages. A network of blue glazed composition beads and small polychrome beads lies over the body. A winged figure of Nut was incorporated into the upper section of the net, on the breast. Skull - Mouth closed. All teeth apparently present. The skull though loose shown no obvious fractures; no trace of the cervical vertebrae can be detected. Thorax and Abdomen - Some packing material including a large cylindrical object, probably a roll of resin-soaked linen, is visible in the right hemithorax. A small falcon-pectoral can be seen and below it two small amulets (wedjat-eyes). No fractures or dislocations of ribs, dorsal and lumbar spin, pelvis or hips. Arms - Flexed at the elbows. Forearms crossed, right over left, on the breast, the hands on the shoulders. Legs - No fractures or dislocations. Well-defined lines of arrested growth, lower ends of the tibiae. The menisci are opaque.
Cultures/periods
Findspot: Excavated/Findspot: Akhmim
Materials: human tissue; linen; gold; glazed composition
Technique: gilded; glazed
Dimensions: Height: 26.50 centimetres (mummy); Length: 166.50 centimetres (mummy); Width: 38.50 centimetres (mummy)
Curator's comments: Found in 1888,0512.98.a Irethoreru was a priest at the important city of Akhmim, cult centre of the fertility god Min. His father Ankhwennefer was "Second Prophet" of the god, a post which suggests that the family enjoyed high status. This is certainly borne out by the rich trappings of Irethoreru's mummy. Bibliography: J. Mack, ‘Masks : the art of expression’ (London, 1994),p. 176, fig. 122; J.H. Taylor and N.C. Strudwick, Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt. Treasures from The British Museum, Santa Ana and London 2005, pp. 64-5, pl. on pp. 64-5. D. Antoine and M. Vandenbeusch, Egyptian mummies. Exploring ancient lives, Sydney 2016, pp. 82-104.
Bibliographic references: Dawson & Gray 1968 / Catalogue of Egyptian Antqiuities in the British Museum: Mummies and Human Remains (50); Shaw & Nicholson 1995 / British Museum Dictionary of Ancient Egypt (p191); Taylor & Strudwick 2005 / Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt (p.64-65); Fletcher, Antoine and Hill 2014 / Regarding the Dead: Human Remains in the British Museum (p.5, pl.3, p.46, pl.1, p.47, p.106, p.110, table 1)
Location: Not on display
Exhibition history: 2005-2008, California, The Bowers Museum, Death and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt 2012 July -September, Tokyo, Mori museum, The Book of the Dead: Journey Through the Afterlife 2012, October - November, Fukuoka Museum of Art, The Book of the Dead 2013, May - September, Perth, Western Australian Museum, The Book of the Dead 2016-2017 10 Oct-30 Apr, Sydney, Powerhouse Museum, Ancient Lives 2017 16 Jun-18 Oct, Hong Kong Science Museum, Ancient Lives 2017-2018 14 Nov-20 Feb, Taiwan, National Palace Museum, Ancient Lives 2018 16 Mar-22 Jul, Brisbane, Queensland Museum of Art, Ancient Lives 2019-2020 14 Sept- 29 Mar, Montreal, Museum of Fine Arts, Ancient Lives
Condition: fair
Subjects
Associated names
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1888
Department: Egypt and Sudan
BM/Big number: EA20745
Registration number: 1888,0512.98.b
Conservation: Treatment: 11 Oct 2000; Treatment: 20 Dec 2015; Treatment: 09 Sep 2014; Treatment: 28 Apr 2003; Conservation treatment: 1/6/19

Free entry

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