Mask and Garland Frieze Blocks

The frieze blocks come from the long Ionic colonnades that framed the Urban Park. 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: Urban Park