Head from an Anthropoid Sarcophagus (Lid Fragment)

The third largest Phoenician in the Mediterranean was located on the small island of Arwad. At the turn of the fifth century BC the production of a new type of sarcophagus had already begun in Phoenicia. Its use over the next two centuries was widespread, encompassing an area extending from the present-day west coast of Lebanon to Spain. Sarcophagi of this type were produced from Greek marble and combined Egyptian motifs and stylistic elements with local Phoenician influences. In the case of this sarcophagus, the face is Greek along with the marble while the mummy form on the lid (now lost) is Egyptian. (AVS)