Images(2)

bead

Object NameSpacer Bead with Theatrical Mask

Made FromGlass

Dateabout 300-399

Place MadeRoman Empire

Techniquepressed, perforated

SizeOverall H: 2.8 cm, W: 1.9 cm

Accession Number59.1.161

Curatorial Area(s)

Ancient

Not On View

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

Spacer beads of this type, which are fairly common, were studied first by Haevernick, who suggested that the principal place of manufacture was in the Roman province of Pannonia in central Europe. However, they have a wide distribution, extending beyond Pannonia to Egypt, the Levant and Olbia on the Black Sea. The mask represents one of the stock male characters in New Comedy plays, either the brothel keeper or, more probably, a slave.

Physical DescriptionOpaque very dark brown or purple (appearing black) glass; pressed and perforated; roughly oval. Upper surface has grotesque theatrical mask in low relief: hair drawn back from forehead, deep eye sockets, rounded cheeks, mouth wide open, and beardless chin. Sides and lower surface are plain, with no trace of mold seams. Two horizontal perforations made while glass was molten, pushing glass out from edge on right side of lower hole.
Provenance

Source Ray Winfield Smith (American, 1897-1982) - 1959-07-27