Mask and Garland Frieze Blocks

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The frieze blocks come from the long Ionic colonnades that framed the South Agora. The earliest are from the north colonnade dedicated to the emperor Tiberius (AD 14-37). Others were made in the second century and later. The motif of a fruit garland hung between two masks was popular at Aphrodisias. The masks represent a fascinating variety of subjects: athletes, heroes, gods, as well as a wide range of stock characters from ancient drama. The masks and garlands evoke ideas of festival and public celebration.

 

 

Found at: South Agora