Mask from a Cavalry Helmet

Originally part of a large helmet, this detached face mask was part of the armor worn by soldiers in the Roman cavalry. The face may represent Aphrodite, Artemis, or even an effeminate Apollo, since the generalized features make any precise identification difficult. A military unit's patron god or goddess would have determined which deity would be depicted on the face mask worn by members of the unit. Such an elaborate mask--the bands in the hair were originally inlaid with contrasting and possibly precious materials--would have been used in elaborate ceremonies rather than in battle.