Satyr Masks from Wine Ceremonies Recovered

Two masks dating to 1 A.D. and found in a grave during excavations in the central Anatolian Necropolis site may shed light on ancient culture.

Anadolu University Archaeology Professor Taciser Sivas said the masks were the most beautiful historical findings of the year. 

“The masks were broken, but we have repaired the broken pieces,” she explained. “There are horns of a mythical figure on one of the masks, symbolizing a satyr [a half-human and half-goat god]. The other is bigger and white, with black and red hair.”

Sivas said the masks symbolized abundance and plentitude at wine-harvest ceremonies and were still being produced through the end of the Roman period. 

“Masks were used during religious ceremonies,” she added. “It is very significant the masks were found in Şarhöyük, as Eskişehir became the capital of Turkish world culture.”

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Pagan Mask Found at Russian Site

Archaeologists recently discovered a 1,000-year-old pagan mask in the historical center of Veliki Novgorod. According to the head of the pit Victor Singh, the mask has openings for the mouth and eyes and was most likely cut from the top of a long leather boot. The back part has holes for small straps or cords, which were fastened at the back of the head.

“The mask was probably used during some pagan rites,” Singh explained. It was found in the cultural layer dating to the 12th century. In all, around 20 masks have been unearthed at the site.

Click here for the Russian InfoCentre article.