Authentic Ancient Egyptian Mummy Head, Jan. 17, at Heritage

The West has long been obsessed with all things Ancient Egypt, especially since the 1922 discovery of King Tut's Tomb, and no one object is more fascinating than mummies. That allure is front and center on Jan. 17 at Heritage Auctions, with an authentic Egyptian Mummy Head, which, judging from its well-executed mummification, has a possible date to between the New Kingdom and the Ptolemaic period. It is estimated at $25,000-$35,000. This incredible specimen is indeed the actual head from an Egyptian mummy, complete with the original wrappings over the top of the head and part of the neck region with several cervical vertebrae still attached. Imprints around the eye sockets suggest that they were once covered, possibly with coins to pay for passage to the afterlife. It's beautifully prepared, indicating that this may well have been a high status individual.