4th-1st century B.C. A terracotta mask formed in the half-round as the face of a theatrical mask, representing a mature male figure with diminutive circular eyes, high cheek bones and pursed mouth beneath a moustache, beard of short curls and textured head of hair; concave reverse; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. Cf. Bernab? Crea, L., Coen C. and Descoeudres, J.P., ‘Masks and characters of the Greek Theatre in the Terracottas of ancient Lipara’ in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. 5/6, 1992-1993, pp.23-31, for various similar masks. 150 grams total, 11.9 cm high including stand (4 5/8 in.). Acquired 1940s-1970s. UK private collection. Bonham's 22 October 2013, lot 286 (part). Ex Mohamed Makriya collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages. Miniature models of theatrical masks were produced in great quantity in the ancient world, and they could be linked with the Dionysiac mysteries, in association with funeral rites, illustrating the Dionysiac thiasos, the orgiastic world of Satyrs and Maenads. However they can also be miniatures models of masks stylistically and technically very homogeneous, linked with the highbrow Sophoclean and Euripidean tragedy, or with so-called Middle Comedy. [No Reserve]