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Source Image: PR304_01_04 of Mask and Garland Frieze (Aphrodisias) of Aphrodisias: South Agora

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Description

Detail of masks and garlands frieze from the South Agora.

Monument
Aphrodisias: South Agora 
Monument Part
Mask and Garland Frieze (Aphrodisias) 
Monument Type
Relief 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
post ad 14 
Keywords
MaskGarlandEntablature  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Aphrodisias 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Gentle
Description
Some light point chisel work is visible beneath the masks and garlands, the vestiges of an earlier level of rough working. These areas would not have been visible once this block was erected.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Fine shaping
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
The garlands on this block are carved with the flat chisel but very little drilling has been done on them, so that each element is modelled rather than delineated or undercut.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drill holes are visible on the masks, especially in their beards.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Channelling Tool
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
Following drilling a channelling tool has been used to carve the grooves in the beards and hair of the masks.

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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