"Reserve head"

myminifactory

Portrait of a Prince from the Khufu Family - Husband of 14,719. White limestone with two dark stone lines running through neck and face. Corrosion on face around nose. Ears broken. Groove runs from head to base of neck. From Giza, tomb G 4440. Excavated by Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition in 1914; assigned to MFA by Egyptian government (Accession Date: July 2, 1914). Reserve heads, also known as Magical Heads or Replacement Heads, are distinctive limestone sculptures found in non-royal tombs of Fourth Dynasty Egypt. Mainly from Khufu to Khafre's reigns. Each head shares common characteristics, but striking individuality makes them early examples of portrait sculpture. Their purpose is unclear, but possibly served as alternate home for dead owner's spirit if body was damaged. Photography and photogrammetry by Zhejiang University.