Reserve Head

Reserve heads were found either at the foot of the vertical tomb shaft or in the subterranean burial chambers of mastaba tombs. In the subterranean world of the tomb these “magical heads” were charged with certain functions. Intentional damage to a “magical head” probably documents its ritual killing to prevent it from harming the deceased. Their exact function, however, remains unclear; we also do not yet know why reserve heads were found only in some – i.e. not in all - tombs. Only 33 examples are known, most were discovered at Giza and date from the 4th Dynasty. The smooth base of the neck shows that reserve heads never formed part of a statue. Each example is unique, and it has frequently been suggested that these heads should be identified as portraits.Reserve heads are either bald or have sport cropped hair. The head in Vienna is an example of the latter style. Note the delicate hairline on forehead, temples and at the back of the neck. It remains unclear, however, if these are the carefully-executed features of a man or of a woman. The head was discovered in a tomb without inscriptions, making a final identification impossible. Note the extensive damage done to the back of the neck. The ears were carefully – and probably intentionally - removed. Note also the delicately incised lines on the forehead and at the back of the head added after the work was completed. These intentional damages seem to contradict the careful execution of the reserve head and may relate to its magical function. © Regina Hölzl, Meisterwerke der Ägyptisch-Orientalischen Sammlung, Wien 2007. Translations by Agnes Stillfried