Gaze Upon My Visage: The Purpose of the Phoenician Grinning Masks
Summary
A type of mask not yet fully understood by historians lies in the tombs and temples of the Phoenician colonies. The most interesting aspects of these visages are the hairless face, large ears, moon-shaped eyes, and the broad smiles which give them their name: Phoenician grinning masks. Symbols appear on the forehead and chin of these visages. This dissertation aims to determine the purpose of the Phoenician grinning masks.
Previous research proposes a variety of interpretations. The prevailing consensus acknowledges the apotropaic quality of these visages, based on their placement in front of the burial chamber and the presence of similar symbols both on the tombs and visages. The ensuing research deviates from the apotropaic consensus and shows that the masks represent death. I suggest that the visages represent a double deity, combining the gods Ba’al Hammon and Tannit. Central to my argument is the pn b’l, an offering made to the ‘face of Ba’al’. Inscriptions on the steles mentioning the pn b’l mirror the facial characteristics of the masks. Second, a theme of fecundity presents itself in the symbols of the masks. These symbols refer to the goddess Tanit. The hairlessness of the masks stems from a rite of depilation, as is evident from the presence of razors in the tombs. In regards to the grinning aspect, the Oenanthe fistulosa might shed light on this phenomenon. This toxic plant from Sardinia damages the nervous system and contracts the facial muscles. The usage of such plants in a ritual of death explains the grinning feature of the masks. The thesis proposes that the purpose of the masks is to be an offering to the gods. The Phoenicians requested the help of a duo of deities with power over the underworld, to protect the spirit of the deceased in this world or grant them safe passage to the next.