A rare intact terracotta head depicting a Greek theater mask from the 4th to 3rd century BC was discovered during archaeological excavations in southern Croatia. The discovery at the Crno Jezero cave on the Pelješac peninsula was made during research carried out by the Archaeological Museum of the Dubrovnik Museums.
The hollow terracotta mask, which features a small hole for hanging, was likely originally displayed on a wall. Archaeologists say such masks are closely associated with ancient theater, traditionally linked to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and patron of theatrical performances.
According to archaeologist Domagoj Perkić, head of the Archaeological Museum, researchers believe the cave may once have served as an Illyrian sanctuary where rituals were performed. “Whether Dionysus, or his Illyrian counterpart, can be connected with the wine vessels and the mask found in the cave remains open to interpretation,” Perkić said. “Most of the sanctuary-related finds were discovered in the entrance and side sections of the cave, which had remained hidden and buried until excavations.”
He added that the secluded and untouched nature of the cave helped preserve the artifacts in remarkable condition, describing the site as “a frozen image more than two thousand years old.”
Miniature Ancient Greek vessels also discovered in Croatia in addition to theater mask
Croatia Week reported that previous excavations conducted in 2025 established that the cave was used for different purposes over several historical periods from the Bronze Age to the end of the Late Iron Age.
Radiocarbon analysis of human remains dated the burials between 1012 and 481 BC, indicating that the cave functioned as a necropolis for more than five hundred years. After burials ceased, researchers believe the site was transformed into an Illyrian sanctuary used from the late 4th century BC until the mid-1st century BC.
Evidence for this includes numerous miniature vessels, mainly of Greek origin, including amphorae, bowls and kantharoi, alongside locally produced pottery. Archaeologists say these items were likely left as votive offerings during religious ceremonies. Fragments of luxury Greek pottery used for storing and drinking wine were also uncovered. Researchers note that such vessels were not typically used in everyday Illyrian life but instead symbolized wealth and status within local prehistoric communities.
Related: 2500-Years-Old Greek-Illyrian Helmet Discovered in Croatia
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