
The British Museum describes this small mummy-portrait as “cheerful” if “rather amateurish.” It also notes her jewelry—the snake bracelet, the dangling earrings, the layered necklaces—and, last but not least, the small bottle she clasps:
“In her hand she holds a small unguentarium, or bottle for scented oils, which were often placed in graves as offerings to the dead. Here, perhaps, it is simply intended to represent a bottle of her favorite perfume.”
Indeed. If you were an ancient Egyptian, wouldn’t you want to take your favorite fragrances into the afterlife with you? I would.
Source: Paul Roberts, Mummy Portraits of Roman Egypt. London, The British Museum, 2008.
I’m loving everything about this. She is owning that bracelet!
Hah! I know — and I’d borrow *any* of that jewelry from her!