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Source Image: PR320_01_10 of Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) of Aphrodisias: South Agora

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Description

Detail of a block of the masks and garlands frieze from the South Agora at Aphrodisias, now in Izmir.

Monument
Aphrodisias: South Agora 
Monument Part
Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) 
Monument Type
Architecture 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
bc None 
Keywords
MaskGarlandEntablature  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Izmir Archaeological Museum 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
The marks of the flat chisel can be seen on the garland and the bow above the mask. The hair of the mask also seems to have been shaped with the flat chisel.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Flattening
Tool
Tooth Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Medium
Description
The background is smoothed with the tooth chisel.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drill holes are visible in the garland, the eyes and nostrils of the masks. The deep channels in the garland and bow above the mask must also have been drilled initially.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Channelling Tool
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
A channelling tool was used following drilling to create the deep channels in the garland and bow above the mask.

Notes

On many of the blocks of this mask and garland frieze, which are now split between Aphrodisias and the Archaeological Museum in Izmir, a difference in finish between the masks and garlands can be noted which might suggest a division of labour between specialist garland and figure carvers. There is also a marked difference in technique and quality between blocks, suggesting that a range of carvers were involved in this major municipal project.

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