CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.

This type of mask, with rolled back hair known as “speira,” flaring nostrils, and a wide grimacing mouth with a moustache over a scoop-shaped beard, was characteristically associated with the role of the leading slave in New Comedy. The slave and his trickery were emblematic of comedy for the Romans. A typical reversal of social hierarchy that arose on stage between the slave and his master occurred when love or lust had deprived the master of his wits and money, forcing him to turn to his resourceful slave for help. Their dramatic performances could be vulgar and offensive, yet they remained extremely popular with ordinary citizens. This piece, likely a decorative element or attachment, shows the popularity and prominence of theatre to the Romans. Cf. object no. 87.AC.143.1 at The J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, for a thymiaterion in the form of a comic actor.