MEDUSA MINI MASK

In Greek mythology Medusa ("guardian, protectress") was a monster, a Gorgon, generally described as having the face of a hideous human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Gazing directly upon her would turn onlookers to stone. Most sources describe her as the daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, though the author Hyginus interposes a generation and gives Medusa another chthonic pair as parents. The mask was a necessary device for the ancient Greeks who developed the art of theater. Among the two main genres of Greek theater are comedy and tragedy, elements of which are still the fundamentals of all acting today. Masks such as this were important accessories in a number of ways. Primarily the mask provided colourful imagery as an accessory or prop (features were over-accentuated or made to look ridiculous in comedy much like caricature sketches). Secondly, using masks helped the audience to identify the roles as often a very limited cast were used to perform multiple characters. Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, the conical mouth shape of the masks (which were usually made of clay) helped the acoustics or 'volume' as the voice of the thespian was better projected out into towards the audience in the theater.(05-512-A)

Details:

Condition: New, Handmade in Greece

Material: Casting stone

Height: 11 cm - 4.3 inches

Width: 12 cm - 4.7 inches

Weight: 300g

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