Obj. ID: 1686
Ancient Jewish Art  The Mask sarcophagus from Beth She`arim

To the main object: Beth She'arim

The sarcophagus has a rectangular body and a high gabled lid with four acroteria on the corners. On the front are two garlands, with rosettes above, suspending from columns. The right narrow side is decorated with two columns and a garland suspending between them, and above the garland, is a carving of a mask of a bearded man. The front side - is decorated with three slim columns set on high pedestals and capped with Corinthian capitals. Two on the ends of the front side, and one in the center. Two thin garlands with overlapping leaves are suspended between the columns. Above each garland, a seven-petalled rosette is carved. The right narrow side - is decorated with two slim columns on both ends, supporting an overlapping leaves garland. The columns are similar to the columns on the front of the sarcophagus. The ends of the garland are fastened to rings suspended from the columns' capitals. Above the garland, a frontal man's head (mask) is carved. The face is surrounded with a beard and curly hair. His eyes are dilated, without pupils, and with thick eyebrows.