(Cat. No. 1044.) The subjoined wood-cut illustrates a remarkable head, which may serve as a type of the genuine Egyptian conformation. The long, oval cranium, the receding forehead, gently aquiline nose, and retracted chin, together with a marked distance between the nose and mouth, and the long, smooth hair, are all characteristic of the monumental Egyptian.
FIFTH SERIES.
THREE HEADS FROM KOUM OMBOS.
The remains of this once celebrated city are seen on a sandy hill on the eastern bank of the Nile, to the south of Thebes. The Ombites were celebrated for the worship of the crocodile, which they embalmed with care and deposited in the catacombs. The three following heads were obtained by Mr. Gliddon from the Ombite necropolis.
Plate [XII]., Fig. 3. (Cat. 830.) A female head of 30 years, with a low, narrow forehead, straight nose, and sharp, prominent features. The hair, which is in profusion, is long, fine and curling.—I. C. 77 cubic inches. Egyptian form.
Plate [XII]., Fig. 4. (Cat. 831.) Head of a woman of 30 years?, with a narrow, but high and convex forehead, strong aquiline nose, and sharp facial structure. The hair is abundant, long, fine and curling.—I. C. 68 cubic inches. Egyptian form.
Plate [XII]., Fig. 5. (Cat. 832.) An oval, thin skull, with a good frontal development, salient nose and delicate facial bones.—F. A. 81°. Egyptian form.
It is remarkable that two of the preceding skulls (the third being too much broken for measurement) give an average internal capacity of less than 73 cubic inches.