This head is a typical example of "reserve heads" which were close-shaven and usually carved in limestone. The ears are usually broken and lines are incised around the face and at the back of the skull. It is thought that these heads were used as a mould for a funerary mask in plaster which would portray the features after mummification. This would explain the care given to the face only, the incisions, the absence of ears as well as the lack of colors.