head
No contradiction of (John 12:3) is implied. The ordinary anointing of hospitality and honour was of the feet (Luke 7:38) and head (Luke 7:46). But Mary of Bethany, who alone of our Lord's disciples had comprehended His thrice repeated announcement of His coming death and resurrection, invested the anointing with the deeper meaning of the preparation of His body for burying. Mary of Bethany was not among the women who went to the sepulchre with intent to embalm the body of Jesus.
woman
That is, Mary of Bethany.