Phot. Wojciech Wojciechowski/PCMA
A number of mummies dating to the Late and Graeco-Roman Periods uncovered at Saqqara were decorated with cartonnage plaques, such as head covers with painted face and a blue wig; shoulder pieces bearing an image of a falcon with outstretched wings; broad collars consisting of many bands of painted beads. These decorative plaques were made of several layers of linen covered with plaster which formed a perfect background for painting colourful decorations. Some elements of the cartonnage, such as the face of the deceased or gods, could have been gilded. Unfortunately, the plaques are often severely damaged – due to unfavourable climatic conditions and patterns of looting which targeted the mummies for precious pieces of jewellery and amulets placed between the wrappings. Displayed are two fragments of cartonnage collars from the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw; the photograph here shows a similar collar uncovered at the Saqqara cemetery.