Egyptian Female Portrait Wearing Emeralds

Emeralds are May's perfect and luxurious green birthstone!

There are so many regal portraits of women and men adorned in emeralds, but this portrait called out to me. This delicate featured woman is Egyptian and she is known as Walters 325. The Portrait is actually a mask, and is a stunning example of ancient Egyptian artistry and craftsmanship dating back to the Roman period. This mask is made of wood and adorned with intricate details that reflect the artistic sophistication of the time. One of the most striking aspects of all Egyptian Female Portrait Masks are the elaborate headdresses which are decorated with intricate patterns and symbols that hold significance in Egyptian mythology and religious beliefs. The use of vibrant colors and carefully applied pigments adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of these masks, making this one and others truly remarkable works of art.
The mask is believed to have been used in funerary practices, possibly as a covering for the face of the deceased in order to ensure their safe passage to the afterlife. 
The Walters 325 mask is now housed in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, where it serves as a valuable artifact that offers insight into the funerary practices and artistic traditions of ancient Egypt. Its preservation allows us to appreciate the skill and artistry of the ancient Egyptians and provides a glimpse into their beliefs and customs surrounding death and the afterlife.

At first, I hesitated using this portrait for my blog piece because of what it represented, but the artist caught the expression and the sense of serene beauty in this lovely face that truly touched me. 

The emerald is the birthstone of May and legends say that the emerald has calming effects and loving energy. It is a life-affirming stone, and some people use the gem in their daily meditations to help reduce stress.