Beginning in the 4th Dynasty, attempts were made to stiffen and mold the outer layer of linen mummification bandages to cover the faces of the deceased, and to empathize prominent facial features in paint. This fragile material was especially favored for creating masks and other ornamentation during the 18th Dynasty (1570 - 1293 B.C.E.). These masks are much rarer than those crafted of gold and jewels, and to find such a museum-worthy item on the market is truly extraordinary.
