Female mask

This mask, probably funerary in nature, depicts a female face. It is modelled in fine gold leaf using the repoussé technique, by which the metal is hammered from behind. It was probably made during the Roman Imperial period. The Roman Republic conquered the area in and around modern-day Lebanon in the 1st century BCE. Prior to this, the Phoenician civilisation flourished in the region, from 1200 to 300 BCE. This mask is smaller than an adult’s face and its function remains uncertain. It is reminiscent, however, of the Phoenician tradition of covering the mouths of the deceased with gold leaf – a material that does not degrade. The mounting holes on this piece must have been used to sew it onto a shroud, probably around the mouth.