Grayson West
A strange face was discovered in a Libyan cistern, which sparked endless questions, such as who created it and why. Carved into a material designed to withstand time, this mysterious artifact offers a glimpse into an ancient world. Here are 10 facts you should know about this mysterious face.
Discovery In Ancient Ptolemais
In 2024, archaeologists found a carved human face inside a water storage system in the ancient city of Ptolemais, Libya. The face had been hidden for centuries. This city was an important center during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, known for its well-planned streets and impressive buildings.
Crafted From Durable Hydraulic Mortar
This face was crafted using hydraulic mortar, a durable material that resisted water damage and was essential for ancient water systems. The mortar’s durability was responsible for its survival for nearly two millennia. Such detailed work suggests it wasn’t just functional but carried cultural or symbolic meaning.
Uniqueness Among Libyan Artifacts
Its placement raises questions about its purpose—whether to honor someone or emphasize the cistern’s importance. Unlike many artifacts influenced by broader Mediterranean styles, this carving stands out due to its location in Ptolemais. Its distinctiveness lies more in its setting than in introducing a new artistic style to Libya.
Resemblance To Slonta Sanctuary Art
The carving shares stylistic similarities with those at the Slonta sanctuary near Cyrene—a site known for depicting animals and humans. The Slonta carvings are part of a broader Libyan religious tradition focusing on deities, spirits, and animals with symbolic significance.
The Mystery Of Its Intended Audience
The face’s location inside the cistern raises questions about who was meant to see it. Positioned in an area not typically visible to the public, it could have been intended for a select group—perhaps workers maintaining the cistern or as part of a ritual known only to certain individuals. This hidden placement adds another layer to its mystery.
Potential Symbolic Significance
Water was a precious resource in ancient Libya, and cisterns were essential for survival in arid regions. Carvings like this may have symbolized reverence for water or served as spiritual guardians to ensure its purity and availability. Similar practices were standard in other ancient cultures, where carvings often depicted gods or spirits.
Speculative Evidence Of Cultural Syncretism
The design of the face shows mainly Indigenous Libyan artistic influences, without obvious Roman or Greek features. Although Ptolemais was a trading center during the Roman period, the face’s simple and featureless style doesn’t clearly mix different artistic styles. The idea of combining these styles is still just a guess, not a confirmed fact.
Discovery Spurs Further Excavations
After this face was discovered, archaeologists expanded their exploration of Ptolemais’ cistern systems. They have been able to identify additional artifacts, such as pottery and architectural elements. These findings help reconstruct the city’s daily life and reveal how its inhabitants managed resources and navigated challenges like droughts.
The Ambiguity Of The Workmanship
The face shows basic shaping without detailed features like eyes or a mouth. While the material required technical expertise, archaeologists describe it as ambiguous, lacking indicators of refined craftsmanship. This suggests it was a deliberate creation but not intended as a highly artistic piece.
Ongoing Excavation
Alongside the carved face discovered in a cistern, key structures like the House of Leukaktios were also uncovered during the University of Warsaw’s excavation of Ptolemais. These findings are being studied to find out more about the city’s history. After a 13-year break due to civil unrest, the excavation resumed in 2023.