Modeling the head

The head of each statue was modeled on a reed core wrapped tightly with twine to provide rigid support for the long, skinny neck. Conservators used a kind of X ray to look at the interior of the heads. X rays, or radiographs, clearly show the impressions of wrapped twine preserved on the inside of the plaster.

 Left, radiograph of head (36k jpg)
Center, detail of head (36k jpg)
Right, radiograph with overlay showing location of reed and twine core (36k jpg)

The tops of the heads are recessed from the faces. Since this area is also rougher than the smoothed faces, archaeologists believe that the heads may have been covered with a cloth headdress or wig.

The artisans probably used their hands or simple tools made of stone, bone, or wood to shape the nose and nostrils, cheeks, and ears. All these features are skillfully shown by modeled plaster or by simple grooves. Conservators analyzed the black substance used to ornament the eyes and found that it was made from bitumen, a natural asphalt. A pointed tool was probably used to make a groove in the shape of the eye while the plaster was still moist. A putty containing bitumen was rolled into a worm and pressed into the groove. Pupils were fashioned by working putty containing bitumen into a small diamond shape, which was then stuck onto the eyeball.

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