Pan is the famous half-goat God of ancient Arcadia. He is the Protector
of shepherds and their flocks, and the God presiding over small game
hunting, such as that of rabbits and birds (while Artemis presides of
the hunt of larger game like deer). There are at least 14 different
myths concerning his origins, but many relate that his father was
Hermes, and that his mother was a Nymph.
Pan is ever the rustic
and rowdy God, often chasing after Nymphs such as Echo and Psyche, or
even after the Moon Selene herself (who always escapes him). He is
often pictured in the midst of revelry, either dancing or drinking or
playing the Syrinx (Pan-pipes). Many worshiped him in caves, but his
cults were found in cities as well.
In later times Pan's role was
greatly expanded from a pastoral God into a universal God, playing upon
his name which in Greek means "All". In yet another role, his
debaucherous and drunken side was often identified by the Romans with
their Bacchus.
Mask of Pan bonded stone wall relief. 9 inches tall, 7.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep with a wall mount on the back.