Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom, Dynasties 18 to 20, ca. 1550 to 1070 BCE. A carved wooden headrest constructed from two separate pieces. Such headrests were important articles used for Egyptian sleeping areas, and are thought to have had several functions. According to scholars, Egyptians typically slept on their sides, so the curved upper section of the headrest would have held the head above the bed. These headrests were oftentimes also buried with the mummy in order to providing a place for the deceased's head to rest. In addition, elevating the head was integral to Egyptian religious practices as this position was intended to assist in resurrection - mimicking the sun god rising above the horizon - as well as playing a role in the "Opening of the Mouth" ceremony described in the "Book of the Dead." Size: 8.625" W x 7.75" H (21.9 cm x 19.7 cm)

Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection

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#136845

Expected chips, fissures, and surface wear commensurate with age. Still remarkable given that it is a wooden object that is more than 3,000 years old.