Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A death mask is a wax or plaster cast made of a person's face after they have died. It is often used as a way to preserve the likeness of the deceased.
Related terms
Mummy: A mummy is the preserved body of a deceased person, often wrapped in cloth and treated with chemicals for preservation.
Funerary Art: Funerary art refers to any artwork or objects that are created for or placed in connection with burials or funeral rituals.
Tomb Effigy: A tomb effigy is a sculpture or image that represents the deceased person and is placed on top of their tomb.