Comic slave mask
This mask is of a comic slave character, identified by its trumpet shaped-mouth, striated beard, snub nose and protruding forehead. Satyr and slave masks were intended to reflect the exact opposite of what was attractive and socially accepted in ancient times. This separated them from the lead characters by appearing grotesque and undesirable. The slave was a common stock character in Greek comedy as they had funny appearances and often made sexual jokes which entertained the audience. The character often had a deal to help the protagonist with something to gain freedom as a reward, such as assisting their master in finding love.
The original mask that this cast was made from was found in the ancient agora of Athens. An agora is a central community space in which all kinds of citizens could dwell in. It accommodated businesses, the arts, sports, religious and spiritual gatherings, and political life in the heart of the city. The agora in Athens may have hosted theatrical performances in its community spaces before buildings were built and reserved for them. The Athenian agora never had an amphitheater built, so it is very possible that these performances took place out in the open; this mask may have been a piece of decoration to commemorate the performance acts that took place there.