Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Marble mask excavated at the Carthage Tophet

PUNIC WATCH:2,300-Year-Old Marble Mask Unearthed in Ancient Carthage, Tunisia (Nisha Zahid)
The mask, carved from fine marble, was found during excavation work at the temple complex dedicated to the god Baal Hammon and the goddess Tanit—two central deities of ancient Carthage. It portrays a woman with an elaborate Phoenician-style hairstyle, a hallmark of cultural and artistic influence that originated in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Experts date the artifact to the late 4th century BC and describe it as one of the most distinctive findings ever made at the site.

The article also gives some background on the new excavation at the Carthage Tophet.

I noted the discovery of gold coins at the site in 2023, mentioned in the article, here. For more on the Carthage Tophet and debate surrounding the evidence for child sacrifice there, see here and links.

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