A cartonnage mummy mask belonging to a High Official has been unearthed in the Asyut Necropolis of Upper Egypt. Dating back to the 11th-12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom, circa 2000-1980 B.C., this artifact offers a rare glimpse into the funerary practices and aesthetic preferences of ancient Egypt. The mask, characterized by its distinctive bearded style, is now showcased at The Walters Art Museum.

Another mummy mask, also featuring a similar bearded motif, was discovered in Asyut. Remarkably, this mask is accompanied by an upper torso, enhancing our understanding of ancient Egyptian burial customs and the portrayal of individuals in death. While conventional wisdom suggests that Egyptians were typically clean-shaven, archaeological findings are challenging this notion. Recent discoveries of royal mummies with hair and depictions of men sporting beards and mustaches suggest a more diverse grooming culture than previously thought.

The presence of bearded mummy masks highlights the complexity of ancient Egyptian grooming practices and societal norms. While some individuals may have embraced facial hair, others likely adhered to a clean-shaven appearance, reflecting personal preferences or cultural standards of beauty.

This nuanced understanding underscores the need for continued exploration and research into ancient Egyptian civilization, shedding light on the multifaceted identities and traditions of its people.