Rare Greek theatre mask found in ancient Illyrian sanctuary on Pelješac

(Photo credit: Dubrovnik Museums)

A rare intact terracotta head depicting a Greek theatrical mask dating from the 4th to 3rd century BC has been discovered during archaeological excavations in the Crno Jezero cave on the Pelješac peninsula in southern Croatia.

The discovery was made during research carried out between 23 April and 4 May 2026, organised by the Archaeological Museum of the Dubrovnik Museums.

The hollow terracotta mask, which features a small hole for hanging, was likely originally displayed on a wall. Archaeologists say such masks are closely associated with ancient theatre, traditionally linked to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and patron of theatrical performances.

According to archaeologist Domagoj Perkić, head of the Archaeological Museum, researchers believe the cave may once have served as an Illyrian sanctuary where rituals were performed.

“Whether Dionysus, or his Illyrian counterpart, can be connected with the wine vessels and the mask found in the cave remains open to interpretation,” Perkić said. “Most of the sanctuary-related finds were discovered in the entrance and side sections of the cave, which had remained hidden and buried until excavations.”

He added that the secluded and untouched nature of the cave helped preserve the artefacts in remarkable condition, describing the site as “a frozen image more than two thousand years old”.

Previous excavations conducted in 2025 established that the cave was used for different purposes over several historical periods, from the Bronze Age to the end of the Late Iron Age.

During the Bronze Age, mainly in the second millennium BC, the cave appears to have served as a temporary shelter during conflicts, extreme weather or as a seasonal dwelling.

From the Late Bronze Age to the beginning of the Late Iron Age, the cave became a burial site for numerous individuals.

Radiocarbon analysis of human remains dated the burials between 1012 and 481 BC, indicating that the cave functioned as a necropolis for more than 500 years.

After burials ceased, researchers believe the site was transformed into an Illyrian sanctuary used from the late 4th century BC until the mid-1st century BC.

Evidence for this includes numerous miniature vessels, mainly of Greek origin, including amphorae, bowls and kantharoi, alongside locally produced pottery. Archaeologists say these items were likely left as votive offerings during religious ceremonies.

Fragments of luxury Greek pottery used for storing and drinking wine were also uncovered. Researchers note that such vessels were not typically used in everyday Illyrian life, but instead symbolised wealth and status within local prehistoric communities.

Excavations carried out last year also revealed ceramic fragments depicting part of the head and torso of what is believed to be a Greek deity from the Classical period.

Perkić highlighted the significance of the discovery within the wider Dubrovnik region, where three known Illyrian sanctuaries are currently being studied.

Alongside Crno Jezero, these include the sanctuary at Spila in Nakovana and Vilina Cave above the Ombla spring near Dubrovnik.

Archaeologists say the sites provide valuable insight into Illyrian religion and its interaction with Greek civilisation, including the blending of local and Greek deities and rituals.

The excavation team included archaeologists Domagoj Perkić and Krešimir Grbavac, conservator Sanja Pujo from Dubrovnik Museums, speleologists Hrvoje and Nataša Cvitanović from the Ursus Spelaeus caving club in Karlovac, and archaeologist and speleologist Mirna Šandrić from the Željezničar Mountaineering Society in Zagreb.