Decorative handles featured prominently in the Roman world, throughout public and private life from elaborate architecture to intricate cooking-ware. Bronze patera handles are common finds with a variety of motifs, with terracotta such as this being rarer. Though the exact purpose of a handle such as this is uncertain, its existence reveals much not only of the prevalence and significance of pottery in the Roman Empire, but also of the artistic repertoire of Ancient Rome and its artistic and cultural relationship with Egypt in this period.
Masks were prevalent in the theatres of Ancient Greece and Rome, appearing in a variety of colours and designs. Stylistically, they feature over-exaggerated facial features and expressions, both artistically to reflect the drama of the Greco-Roman theatre and practically to highlight different characters and aid in projection of the voice. This particular depiction bears a strong resembling to the god Pan, who frequently associated with Bacchus, a god connected with theatre, and certainly suits the wild antics of the ancient stage.
