Excavations carried out in 1910 in the substructures of a Gallo-Roman villa in Chardeneux-Bonsin uncovered this mask fragment depicting a faun, only made known through the small preserved horn located in the hair.

The life-size mask was stamped from a plaster matrix (?). The mounting holes in the top of the head and near the ears were expertly drilled before firing as well as the eyes, mouth and nostrils.

In the past, these masks were often considered as being used as stage props attached to the faces of the actors using an adhesive tape or string. The most likely hypothesis makes decorative elements adorning the column and walls of Roman villas.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Scanned : Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)