Dancers and Musicians from Phrygia

Why it matters

The distinctive garments worn by the figures on this relief may identify them as people from the ancient region of Phrygia, in present-day central Turkey. They wear baggy tunics with trousers tied at the ankles and peaked caps. Three figures hold their feet and hands in postures of dancing, while a musician plays a stringed instrument similar to a lyre, and a percussionist keeps time on the drum clutched between his legs. The figure at the far right holds up an unidentified object. This panel has tenons above and below to fit into a structure using no mortar. The scale of this panel suggests that it was installed as a stair riser.