2,300-Year-Old Marble Mask Unearthed in Tunisia
Archaeologists in Tunisia have uncovered a 2,300-year-old marble mask at the ancient Tophet site in Carthage, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced. The rare discovery sheds new light on Punic religious practices and artistic expression during the city’s peak.
The mask, carved from fine marble, was found during excavation work at the temple complex dedicated to the god Baal Hammon and the goddess Tanit—two central deities of ancient Carthage. It portrays a woman with an elaborate Phoenician-style hairstyle, a hallmark of cultural and artistic influence that originated in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Experts date the artifact to the late 4th century BC and describe it as one of the most distinctive findings ever made at the site.
A glimpse into Punic rituals and traditions
According to the Ministry of Culture, the mask offers valuable insight into the rituals once performed at the Carthaginian sanctuary. The depiction of a woman with a Phoenician coiffure suggests a connection to religious offerings and elite traditions within Punic society.
Archaeologists believe the mask was likely a votive gift, or ex-voto, offered to the gods to seek favor or give thanks for answered prayers.
Professor Imed Ben Jerbania, who leads the excavation team from Tunisia’s National Heritage Institute (INP), said material analysis is now underway to determine the marble’s source and identify traces of ancient paint, known as polychromy. Early studies suggest that the Eastern Mediterranean played a significant role, reinforcing Carthage’s position as a hub of cultural and commercial exchange across the ancient world.
By Nisha Zahid.
