A nearly intact terracotta mask depicting the Greek god Dionysus was unearthed by a team led by Kaan İren of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University on the acropolis of the ancient city of Daskyleion in western Turkey.
The mask likely dates to the end of the fourth century BC, when the multicultural city—which had previously been controlled by the Phrygians, Lydians, and Persians—was subject to Greek influence following Alexander the Great’s invasion of the region in 334 B.C.
In addition to his role as the god of wine and fertility, Dionysus was the patron of theater and impersonation. Masks were common elements of rituals honoring the deity and were frequently worn by his followers during cult ceremonies.
Ancient legend has it that wearing a mask allowed Dionysus’ followers to free themselves from secret desires and buried regrets and elevated them to a state of uninhibited ecstasy.
Researchers believe this particular mask was a votive object offered to the god during a winemaking ritual.
Is The Pappas Post worth $5 a month for all of the content you read? On any given month, we publish dozens of articles that educate, inform, entertain, inspire and enrich thousands who read The Pappas Post. I’m asking those who frequent the site to chip in and help keep the quality of our content high — and free. Click here and start your monthly or annual support today. If you choose to pay (a) $5/month or more or (b) $50/year or more then you will be able to browse our site completely ad-free!
Click here if you would like to subscribe to The Pappas Post Weekly News Update
