Mummy of Syros in Ipswich Museum, UK

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Human: Luxurious mummy-masks of this kind were likely created for individuals of high standing in the early Roman Period (dating back approximately 30 BC). Despite Roman artistic influences beginning to shape native styles over the next fifty years, these masks remain unmistakably Egyptian in design. This is evident in the imagery employed, as seen here: the winged sun-disc; a falcon; the human-headed ba spirit of the deceased; winged serpents representing the goddesses Wadjet and Nekhbet, and the mummy on a bier, flanked by winged sphinxes. On the back of the head is Nut, the sky-goddess, holding two falcons; Anubis and Horus presenting the mummy to the seated Osiris, and below, the spirit of the deceased, depicted again as a ba bird. Above the face is a headband with a central sun disc flanked by uraeus-serpents. On top of the head, as though propelling the sun disc, is a blue scarab beetle with outspread wings. There is also a Greek inscription identifying the deceased as Syros, son of Herakles. The face and wig are covered with gold leaf. The use of gilding for the face, common in ancient Egypt, indicates that the deceased was considered to have attained divine status, as gold was regarded as the flesh of gods. The site of Hawara is renowned for its Roman mummy portraits. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from around the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.