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Source Image: PR320_01_18 of Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) of Aphrodisias: South Agora

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Description

Detail of a block of the masks and garlands frieze from the South Agora at Aphrodisias, now in Izmir.

Monument
Aphrodisias: South Agora 
Monument Part
Marks and Garland Frieze (Izmir) 
Monument Type
Architecture 
Material(s)
Aphrodisian marble (Visual identification)  
Date
bc None 
Keywords
MaskGarlandEntablature  
Collections
Aphrodisias, Site and Museum  

Location

Original Location
Izmir Archaeological Museum 

Evidence for working practices

1. Toolmarks

Process
Roughing-out
Tool
Point
Method
Angle: Vertical (90°)
Force: Medium
Description
The leftovers of roughing-out work with the point chisel is visible above the mask in an area where it would have been hidden from view from the ground.

2. Toolmarks

Process
Rough shaping
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Steep (60-70°)
Force: Gentle
Description
Rough shaping with the flat chisel is visible on the top of the garland.

3. Toolmarks

Process
Flattening
Tool
Tooth Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Medium
Description
The flat surface of the top moulding is worked with the tooth chisel.

4. Toolmarks

Process
Fine shaping
Tool
Flat Chisel
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
The mask and hair are worked with the flat chisel.

5. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Drill
Method
Vertical (90°)
Description
Drilling is visible in the hair and around the mask, as well as in the eyes.

6. Toolmarks

Process
Detailing
Tool
Channelling Tool
Method
Angle: Shallow (40-50°)
Force: Gentle
Description
A channelling tool has been used to carve the deep grooves in the hair and around the face following drilling.

Notes

On many of the blocks of this mask and garland frieze, which are now split between Aphrodisias and the Archaeological Museum in Izmir, a difference in finish between the masks and garlands can be noted which might suggest a division of labour between specialist garland and figure carvers. There is also a marked difference in technique and quality between blocks, suggesting that a range of carvers were involved in this major municipal project.

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