A New Insight into Punic Heritage
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs revealed an extraordinary archaeological discovery at the Tofet site in Carthage. The find includes a marble mask that portrays a woman with a Phoenician-style coiffure, considered unique and dating back to the late 4th century BC. This remarkable artifact offers a glimpse into the artistic and cultural practices of the ancient Punic civilization.
The mask, carved from a block of fine marble, represents a woman with a distinctive hairstyle that was symbolic of a cult style adopted by the Punic elites. This style is believed to have been imported from the Phoenician world and integrated into local traditions. The design reflects the complex cultural exchanges that occurred in the Mediterranean during this period.
According to Professor Imed Ben Jerbania, head of the excavation team at the National Heritage Institute (INP), the first hypothesis suggests that the mask was offered as an ex-voto — a gift intended to gain the favor of the gods. This practice was common in many ancient cultures, where individuals would present offerings to deities in hopes of receiving blessings or protection.
Material analysis of the marble and the residual polychromy will help determine its origin, which is likely the Eastern Mediterranean. Such analyses are crucial for understanding the trade networks and artistic influences that shaped the Punic world.
Collaborative Efforts in Archaeology
This discovery is part of a four-year agreement signed in March 2024 between the INP and the Agency for Heritage Promotion and Cultural Development (AMVPPC). The partnership aims to revitalize excavations at the sanctuary and produce new scientific and tourist documentation of the site. By working together, these institutions seek to enhance the visibility of Tunisia’s rich archaeological heritage and promote cultural tourism.
The excavation team consists of Imed Ben Jerbania, Nesrine Medahi, and Kaouther Jendoubi, archaeologists specializing in iconography and votive art. Their expertise is vital in interpreting the significance of the artifacts uncovered at the site.
A Legacy of Discoveries
The Tofet site has long been a source of significant archaeological revelations. In 2014, a set of previously unpublished Punic inscriptions was discovered, shedding light on the language and religious practices of the time. In 2023, nine gold coins dating from the 3rd century BC, associated with aristocratic Carthaginian families, were unearthed. These finds highlight the site’s importance as a center of political and economic activity.
The 2025 discovery of the marble mask further enriches this sequence, adding an artistic and ritual dimension to the ongoing research. These discoveries confirm the exceptional potential of the Carthaginian subsoil and place Tunisia on the map of the Mediterranean’s major archaeological centers.
Preserving and Sharing Heritage
The Ministry of Culture has hailed this find as a “unique testimony to the richness of the Punic-Carthaginian heritage.” The objective, according to its services, is now to prepare the public exhibition of the mask at the Carthage museum after restoration and complete study. This initiative aims to promote tourism and education, allowing the public to engage with and appreciate the historical significance of the artifact.
The mask not only serves as a valuable piece of art but also as a window into the past, offering insights into the beliefs, customs, and artistic expressions of the Punic people. As the restoration process begins, researchers and historians will continue to analyze the mask, uncovering more about its origins and the culture it represents.
By showcasing such artifacts, Tunisia can reinforce its position as a key player in the global archaeological community, preserving its heritage for future generations while fostering a deeper understanding of the ancient world.