Layer by Layer

The Manufacture of Graeco-Roman Funerary Masks

Bibliographic Data

ID20375540
AuthorsMarie Vandenbeusch (0000-0002-8644-7596, The British Museum, UK, corresponding author), Daniel O’flynn (0000-0001-7538-350X, The British Museum, UK), Benjamin Moreno (IMA Solutions, France)
Year2021
Volume107
Issue1-2
Pages281-298
Publication date2021-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Egyptian Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0307-5133 • E-ISSN: 2514-0582
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/03075133211050657
OpenAlexW3214908826
LanguageEN
Citations received4

Ptolemaic cartonnage masks were produced by layering textiles – or reused papyrus sheets – with plaster and glue. Despite the use of the same basic components, the process of manufacture could vary depending on shape, size, time and place. This article aims to clarify the production methods and the different phases of manufacture of these masks, using different imagery techniques, such as X-ray, CT and surface scanning. To provide a better understanding of their production, we examined these masks layer by layer, considering the use of a mould to shape the face from inside, the layering of textile, the application of gesso to strengthen the mask or to sculpt features, and finally the decorative layer of paints and gilding

Art · Composite material · Engineering drawing · GLUE · Layering · Papyrus · Visual arts · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological Research and Protection · Computer Science · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · Engineering · Materials Science · Geology

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