A central fragment of an ancient Egyptian pottery mask, dating back to approximately 500 BC. Pottery masks like this were an essential part of ancient Egyptian funerary practices and played a significant role in their religious and cultural beliefs. The use of masks in ancient Egyptian burial ceremonies was multifaceted. These masks were often placed over the face of the deceased or incorporated into the wrappings of mummies to serve as a protective cover for the journey into the afterlife. They were not portraits of the deceased, but rather symbolic representations, often featuring the idealized features of a youthful individual. Ancient Egypt Historical Artifacts And Archaeological Collectibles.