1st-2nd century AD. A substantial bronze fitting with broad panel and loop to the rear, a bust in the shape of a female theatrical mask with braided hair and diadem. See Brea, L.B. et al., 'Masks and characters of the Greek Theatre in the terracottas of ancient Lipara' in Mediterranean Archaeology, 5/6, 1992, pp.23–31, for discussion. 67.71 grams, 36.87mm (1 1/2"). Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman; acquired before 2000. In the Greek and Roman worlds, women were not allowed to be on the stage because it was considered ‘dangerous.’ Both male and female characters were played by male actors, which explains why the iconography of the ancient world is full of female theatre masks. Our item recalls the image of the famous Pompeian mosaic in The House of the Faun. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.