Roman Theater Mask

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3D Model

300 - 200 BCE (Hellenistic), Greece Material: bronze Size: 18.1 x 16.5 cm

The theater mask was used as a popular devices in theatrical performances to communicate emotion to far-away audiences in the amphitheater. The theater mask conveyed this emotion to people far away making very expressive faces in order to emphasis the emotions being shown. It was used by being worn by the actors in the performance.

The fact that this mask was found near Piraeus, a sanctuary to Dionysus indicates that it was created as a votive offering from an actor to the god, whose festivals often inspired Greek dramatic works. This particular mask is characterized by a wide open mouth and furrowed brows, which indicate that it was employed in tragic plays. The mask’s twisted curls of hair, snub nose, glaring eyes suggest that it depicts the apotropaic figure of a Gorgon.