What is it made of? They made it using terracotta. This is how the 2000-year-old theatrical mask was found. It appeared next to a monumental gate structure. It is believed that this led to the ancient city of Azanos. Both objects were unearthed in the Turkish city of Kutahya. This is reported by the media ‘Turkiye Today’.
According to archaeologists, it is a find of great importance. This is because it provides new and interesting data about Azanos’ connection with the Dionysian cult.
old building
The details were provided by the person in charge of the excavations and chairman of the Department of Archeology at the Dumlupinar University of Kutahya, Gokhan Coskun. The work has focused this season mainly on the structures of the agora (market square) and the stadium. In the latter, he reported that an important part of the eastern tribune has already been discovered.
In the southern part of the agora, excavations have made it possible to identify an ancient building. It is known that this served as the gateway to the city center.
«We were surprised to find during the work a two-story structure, with parts of the first floor still intact. We believe that this building, from the end of the 2nd century AD, could have been a monumental gate,” declares Coskun. In addition, the team discovered a terracotta theatrical mask in good condition. The object sheds new light on the Dionysian cult of Azanos.
Other artifacts
«This finding is significant. It provides us with new and valuable data on the association of Azanos with the Dionysian cult. This was a central aspect of the religious life of the city,” says the scientist.
Previous finds of similar masks in tombs near the scene suggest that these objects were used as funerary offerings. As excavations continue, more such artifacts could be discovered. The 2,000-year-old theatrical mask could be just one of many. If that happens, they would shed light on the cultural and religious practices of the ancients, Coskun predicts.
