3,300-year-old ‘fayence mask’ discovered at Al-Hillah site

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has announced a rare archaeological discovery at the Al-Hillah site in southern Bahrain: a decorated ceramic mask, known as a “fayence mask,” dating back more than 3,300 years. The mask was found in a mass grave containing the remains of two women from the ancient Dilmun civilization, alongside an infant.

This remarkable find is considered one of the rarest in the Kingdom, representing only the second mask of its kind discovered to date. The announcement was made by archaeologist Mashael Al Shamsi during her presentation at the symposium “Archaeology of the Arabian Gulf: Between Discovery and Preservation,” organised by BACA in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

Study

Al Shamsi said that the mask requires further in-depth study, as it remains one of the few such artifacts that has not yet been extensively researched. She noted that a specialised scientific study is underway, which will examine the mask alongside associated artifacts, including beads and funerary objects. The ongoing excavations are focused on layers dating back to the Middle Dilmun period. The research team is preparing a comprehensive study to document the findings and explore their significance in understanding the cultural and social context of the era. Other discoveries at the site include seashell rings.