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 golden death mask is a funerary mask made of gold that was placed over the face of a deceased person in ancient cultures. It serves as a representation of the individual and is often associated with royalty or high status.
Related terms
Funerary Mask: A funerary mask is any type of mask used in funeral rituals or placed on the face of the deceased. It can be made from various materials, not just gold.
Pharaoh: In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were considered god-kings who ruled over the land. They were often buried with elaborate golden death masks to symbolize their divine status.
Afterlife: The concept of an afterlife refers to beliefs about what happens to a person's soul or spirit after they die. Many cultures believed in some form of existence beyond death, which influenced their burial practices.