Le rinceau d’acanthe à fond noir dans la mosaïque syrienne : l’exemple de Mariamin

The motif of masks appearing in the ornamental “inhabited” scrolling plant borders of mosaics from the 2nd and 3rd century AD, discovered in Syria (Apamea and Palmyra among others) is discussed based on the border of the Mosaic of the Musicians from Mariamin in Syria, which is one of the most complex and best preserved of its kind, dated to the close of the 2nd century AD. The origin of the motif and its significance—protection of the house and tomb offered by mythical figures like Oceanus and the Gorgons—is considered, chronological issues concerning the motif and its longevity in late antique Christian art.