{"title":"Masks","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"comic-theatre-mask","title":"Comic Theatre Mask","description":"  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted · Made to order · Price on request\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA strongly modelled theatrical face with pale colouring, golden hair, a pronounced nose and an expansive open mouth. The painted red-brown mouth surround gives the expression particular force, while the raised brows and cut-out eyes shape its direct, frontal presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Archaeopolis mask\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe studio photograph shows the individual Comic Theatre Mask in the Archaeopolis props archive. Its finish and expressive proportions belong to the contemporary piece. The archive identifies it as a comic theatre mask, without assigning it to a named ancient character or a particular excavated original.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical and archaeological context\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncient Greek theatrical masks helped distinguish characters through facial expression, hair and other visible conventions. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture’s account of ancient masks discusses their use by actors and chorus members, and the development of recognisable character types in comedy. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ancienttheater.culture.gr\/en\/parastaseis-arxaiotita\/item\/101-pws-itan-ta-proswpeia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eRead the Ministry’s account of theatrical masks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA surviving comic-mask model\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Metropolitan Museum’s terracotta comic mask, accession \u003cstrong\u003e74.51.1520\u003c\/strong\u003e, is Greek, Cypriot, and dates to the late fourth–early third century BCE. The museum identifies a youthful type from New Comedy. At only 4.8 cm high, with holes suggesting suspension, it is evidence for mask imagery rather than a full-size mask worn by an actor. It provides a historical comparison for expressive theatrical faces; the Archaeopolis design is not presented as a replica of this miniature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cfigure style=\"margin:24px 0\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/241076\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/collectionapi.metmuseum.org\/api\/collection\/v1\/iiif\/241076\/534629\/main-image\" alt=\"Ancient Cypriot terracotta comic mask in The Metropolitan Museum of Art\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;max-height:520px;object-fit:contain;background:#fff\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;line-height:1.5\"\u003eHistorical comparison: Terracotta comic mask, Greek, Cypriot, late fourth–early third century BCE. The Met, 74.51.1520. The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76. Public Domain \/ Open Access.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYour commission\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable by enquiry for a mask commission. Tell us whether the piece is intended for performance, a display or a production. Materials, measurements, fit, fastening, finish and delivery schedule are agreed before ordering. The quotation concerns the mask; any costume, musical instrument or other prop shown in an archive scene is discussed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/masks\"\u003eExplore all masks →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archaeopolis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55309262946633,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1032\/3476\/5129\/files\/archaeopolis-collection-greece-undated-root-001.jpg?v=1789107773"},{"product_id":"bearded-character-mask","title":"Bearded Character Mask","description":"  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted · Made to order · Price on request\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA theatrical character mask with a gold-toned face, long hair, a prominent beard and pointed ears. The sculpted brows, small mouth and textured beard give this individual design its distinctive expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Archaeopolis mask\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe studio photograph records the bearded mask in the Archaeopolis props archive. Its pointed ears and beard invite comparison with the visual language of satyrs and Silenus, but the archive does not identify a specific ancient character or excavated prototype. The surface colour does not establish the underlying material; commission specifications are agreed individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical and archaeological context\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Hellenistic actor with the mask of Silenus\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe National Gallery of Art preserves \u003cem\u003eSeated Actor with Mask of Silenus\u003c\/em\u003e, a Boeotian terracotta dated to the third century BCE. The figure, approximately 14.29 cm high, is catalogued as \u003cstrong\u003e2014.136.370\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its association with Silenus supplies a specific historical comparison for the bearded character mask in Greek theatrical imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ancient object is a small terracotta representation of an actor and mask, not a surviving wearable theatrical mask. It helps place the contemporary piece in a history of character-making through the face and beard, without establishing that the Archaeopolis mask reproduces this particular model.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cfigure style=\"margin:24px 0\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nga.gov\/artworks\/176461-seated-actor-mask-silenus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/api.nga.gov\/iiif\/f0d5c230-c097-4446-b955-e04e86318dfd\/full\/%21800%2C800\/0\/default.jpg\" alt=\"Boeotian terracotta Seated Actor with Mask of Silenus, National Gallery of Art\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;max-height:520px;object-fit:contain;background:#fff\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption\u003eHistorical comparison: Seated Actor with Mask of Silenus, Boeotian, third century BCE, terracotta. National Gallery of Art, 2014.136.370. Corcoran Collection (William A. Clark Collection, 1926). Public Domain.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYour commission\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable by enquiry for a mask commission. Tell us whether the piece is intended for performance, a display or a production. Materials, measurements, fit, fastening, finish and delivery schedule are agreed before ordering. The quotation concerns the mask; any costume, musical instrument or other prop shown in an archive scene is discussed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/masks\"\u003eExplore all masks →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archaeopolis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55309263864137,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1032\/3476\/5129\/files\/archaeopolis-collection-greece-undated-root-002.jpg?v=1789108010"},{"product_id":"red-winged-performance-mask","title":"Red Winged Performance Mask","description":"  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted · Made to order · Price on request\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA vivid red half-mask built around two facing birds. Their raised heads meet above the brow, while layered wings sweep around the eye openings. Orange highlights, a dark central ornament and curling feather forms give the design a strongly symmetrical silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Archaeopolis mask\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe archive photograph documents this individual red performance mask, including the side fastening visible at the edge. It is a contemporary sculptural design for character, movement and visual storytelling. The bird species and an exact ancient prototype are not established by the collection record.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical context: birds on the ancient stage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBird imagery has a documented place in ancient Greek performance. The British Museum preserves an Attic black-figure wine vessel showing bird-costumed dancers with an aulos player, museum number \u003cstrong\u003e1842,0728.787\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its teaching resource dates the vessel to around 480 BCE and attributes it to the Gela Painter. The winged costumes and coordinated poses provide evidence for an earlier tradition of animal-like choral performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis ancient scene offers a thematic comparison for the meeting of bird forms and theatre. It does not show a red half-mask of this design, nor does it prove that the Archaeopolis piece reconstructs the costumes of a particular ancient play.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eReading the evidence\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Archaeopolis photograph records the object itself. The museum vessel supplies historical context for theatrical bird imagery. Keeping these two records distinct allows the design to be appreciated both as a handcrafted contemporary mask and as part of a wider conversation with performance history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSources and visual reference\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/G_1842-0728-787\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBritish Museum, chous with bird dancers, 1842,0728.787\u003c\/a\u003e — view the museum photograph and object record.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2019-10\/british_museum_greek_theatre.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBritish Museum, Greek Theatre teaching resource\u003c\/a\u003e — “Chorus of Bird Dancers,” with discussion of costume, music and the choral setting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003csection class=\"historical-reference-photo\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical reference photo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA documented comparison for the form, motif or construction — not a photograph of the product offered for sale.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure style=\"margin:24px 0\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/G_1842-0728-787\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/thumb.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Gela_Painter_-_ABV_473_-_theatrical_chorus_of_birds_-_London_BM_1842-0728-787_-_01.jpg\/960px-Gela_Painter_-_ABV_473_-_theatrical_chorus_of_birds_-_London_BM_1842-0728-787_-_01.jpg\" alt=\"Historical comparison: Attic black-figure jug with performers in bird costumes, attributed to the Gela Painter, British Museum 1842,0728.787\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display:block;width:100%;max-width:680px;max-height:640px;height:auto;object-fit:contain;margin:0 auto\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption style=\"font-size:0.88em;line-height:1.5;margin-top:10px\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttic black-figure jug with performers in bird costumes, attributed to the Gela Painter, British Museum 1842,0728.787\u003c\/strong\u003e — late 6th–early 5th century BCE.\u003cbr\u003ePhotograph: ArchaiOptix \/ Wikimedia Commons. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/G_1842-0728-787\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eView source →\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Gela_Painter_-_ABV_473_-_theatrical_chorus_of_birds_-_London_BM_1842-0728-787_-_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ePhoto \u0026amp; credit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe painted performers in bird costumes provide the theatrical comparison discussed in the description. The photograph supports the broader bird-costume tradition, not an exact reconstruction of this red mask, its wings or colour scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYour commission\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable by enquiry for a mask commission. Tell us whether the piece is intended for performance, a display or a production. Materials, measurements, fit, fastening, finish and delivery schedule are agreed before ordering. The quotation concerns the mask; any costume, musical instrument or other prop shown in an archive scene is discussed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/masks\"\u003eExplore all masks →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archaeopolis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55309266125129,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1032\/3476\/5129\/files\/archaeopolis-collection-greece-undated-root-003.jpg?v=1789108092"},{"product_id":"pan-performance-mask","title":"Pan Performance Mask","description":"  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted · Made to order · Price on request\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA horned, bearded mask of Pan, with curling dark horns, strongly drawn brows and a mane-like surround. Four Archaeopolis archive photographs show the same mask worn in performance, from a close view with pipes to wider ensemble scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe mask in performance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe photographic sequence documents how the face works with the performer’s body, music and costume. The close view shows the facial modelling and horns; the other views show the mask with pipes, a frame-drum player and a mythological ensemble. These are multiple views of one design, not four different masks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical and archaeological context\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePan’s recognisable features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Metropolitan Museum’s \u003cem\u003eMarble mask of Pan\u003c\/em\u003e, accession \u003cstrong\u003e2002.284\u003c\/strong\u003e, is Roman and dates to the first century CE. Its surviving horns, bristling hair and beard identify the rustic deity. The museum traces Pan’s cult to the herdsmen of Arcadia and describes his later presence in the imagery of Roman villas and gardens, alongside Dionysian figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis ancient decorative sculpture provides a comparison for the horned and bearded face. It was made in marble and should not be understood as a wearable stage mask or as the exact prototype of the contemporary Archaeopolis object.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cfigure style=\"margin:24px 0\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/257613\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/collectionapi.metmuseum.org\/api\/collection\/v1\/iiif\/257613\/531441\/main-image\" alt=\"Roman marble decorative mask of Pan, first century CE, The Metropolitan Museum of Art\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;max-height:520px;object-fit:contain;background:#fff\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;line-height:1.5\"\u003eHistorical comparison: Marble mask of Pan, Roman, first century CE. The Met, 2002.284. The Bothmer Purchase Fund, 2002. Public Domain \/ Open Access.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMythological identity in a contemporary object\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Archaeopolis mask makes Pan recognisable through its horns, beard and surrounding hair. The archive adds direct evidence of its contemporary performance use. Its colour, construction and exact facial design belong to the modern interpretation; materials and fit are agreed for each commission.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYour commission\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable by enquiry for a mask commission. Tell us whether the piece is intended for performance, a display or a production. Materials, measurements, fit, fastening, finish and delivery schedule are agreed before ordering. The quotation concerns the mask; any costume, musical instrument or other prop shown in an archive scene is discussed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/masks\"\u003eExplore all masks →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archaeopolis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55309268025673,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1032\/3476\/5129\/files\/archaeopolis-collection-greece-undated-root-007.jpg?v=1789108188"},{"product_id":"gorgon-mask","title":"Gorgon Mask","description":"  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted · Made to order · Price on request\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA sculptural Gorgon mask framed by coiling serpents, with a bronze-toned painted face, dark eye surrounds and an open mouth. The snakes rise above the brow and continue around the sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Archaeopolis mask\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe studio photograph records the Gorgon Mask from the Archaeopolis object archive, a contemporary interpretation of the snake-haired figure. The archive credits a selected collaborating artist. Material, workshop details and the specification of a new commission are confirmed individually. The bronze-toned appearance describes the visible surface, not a cast-bronze material.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHistorical and archaeological context\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMedusa and the Gorgoneion\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Gorgoneion is the frontal head or face of the Gorgon, especially Medusa. In Greek art it frequently carried an apotropaic meaning, intended to ward off harm. The Metropolitan Museum’s study traces the image across pottery, architectural decoration and armour, and explains how fierce early faces developed into more human-looking forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/essays\/medusa-in-ancient-greek-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMadeleine Glennon, Medusa in Ancient Greek Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2017)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Greek architectural comparison\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA terracotta Gorgoneion antefix from Taranto in southern Italy, now at The Met, dates to the second half of the fifth century BCE. Its expression is transitional between earlier fierce Medusa images and later calmer ones. This roof ornament, accession \u003cstrong\u003e20.215\u003c\/strong\u003e, demonstrates the protective face in architectural use. It is a contextual comparison, not a wearable mask or an exact model for the Archaeopolis design.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cfigure style=\"margin:24px 0\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/250968\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/collectionapi.metmuseum.org\/api\/collection\/v1\/iiif\/250968\/541615\/main-image\" alt=\"Classical Greek terracotta Gorgoneion roof ornament from Taranto, The Metropolitan Museum of Art\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;max-height:520px;object-fit:contain;background:#fff\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption\u003eHistorical comparison: Terracotta gorgoneion antefix, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine, second half of the fifth century BCE. The Met, 20.215. Rogers Fund, 1920. Public Domain \/ Open Access.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYour commission\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable by enquiry for a mask commission. Tell us whether the piece is intended for performance, a display or a production. Materials, measurements, fit, fastening, finish and delivery schedule are agreed before ordering. The quotation concerns the mask; any costume, musical instrument or other prop shown in an archive scene is discussed separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/masks\"\u003eExplore all masks →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archaeopolis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55309270712649,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1032\/3476\/5129\/files\/archaeopolis-objects-gorgon-mask-selected-artists-001.jpg?v=1789108491"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.archaeopolis.gr\/collections\/masks.oembed","provider":"Archaeopolis","version":"1.0","type":"link"}