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Photo by Gabi Laron

The plump red lips and thick curly hair of the figure in this mosaic might seem like those of an elegant lady, but in fact this mosaic depicts a man’s face—a male theatrical mask, to be precise. Excavated from a Roman pit at Tel Dor, this masterful mosaic of lush fruit garlands and colorful flowing ribbon was destroyed in antiquity. Authors S. Rebecca Martin and Andrew Stewart discuss this mysterious and enchanting find, as well as the local ruler who may have owned it.