In ancient Egypt, masks were primarily used for funerary purposes as death masks. Ancient Egyptians believed that it was extremely important to preserve the body of a dead person because the soul must have a place where to dwell upon death. Preservation of the dead body was achieved by mummification but it was also considered equally important for the soul to be able to recognize the body, so it can return to it. For such reason death masks were abundantly used, made in the likeness of the deceased. Early masks were made from wood, followed by masks in cartonnage, a material made from papyrus or linen and soaked in plaster and then fitted to a wooden mold. Royal death masks were made from precious metals, mostly gold or gold leaves on bronze. All death masks were made to resemble the deceased but with slightly enlarged eyes and a faint smile. They also showed the fashion of the moment with painted jewellery and makeup