Fayum Mummy Portrait 

This painted panel of a woman, now at the British Museum, was created in Roman Egypt between 50 and 250 AD. These portraits, found attached to mummies, offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex identities of people living in Egypt under Roman rule. The woman's portrait provides insight into the cultural blend of the time. Her hairstyle and jewelry reflect Roman fashion, yet the practice of mummification is distinctly Egyptian. These portraits provide a sense of the individual, an identity to be remembered. Was she part of the Egyptian priestly class that maintained cultural traditions or part of the Roman ruling class? Did she occupy a space in between? The image captures a moment of cultural exchange and adaptation. Consider how this portrait, intended to preserve identity beyond death, also speaks to broader themes of cultural identity, memory, and representation. It asks us to contemplate how we, too, construct and negotiate our identities within the intersections of history, culture, and personal experience.