Terra Cotta Theatrics

Archaeological museums can be ho-hum after you've seen the first group of headless statues or dull-looking pieces of pottery. But the archaeological museum of Lipari (the capital island of the Aeolian Islands off Sicily) has one of the most incredible collections of terra cotta findings you'll really enjoy.

Enter a room with dozens of ancient amphorae (pottery vessels) from the 2nd c. BC, all grouped together on risers in the center. Where one of these may make you yawn, being greeted with a huge collection of them, so stylishly displayed, is striking.

But the most interesting part of the museum, is its collection of terra cotta theatrical masks. In the 1960's & 70's, cemetery excavations turned up an amazing number of ancient Greek masks. As Greek colony centuries ago, Lipari was a center of production.

Although found buried in tombs, some masks were made as gifts to the gods (votives). And others were made as souvenirs, sold to spectators at theatrical performances.

A collection of over a thousand pieces, including small statues, makes it the "richest & most ancient collection of theatrical terra-cottas found up to now on a single site." See examples of over 500 different theatrical characters. Some are beautiful. Some ghastly. Some just make you laugh.

These spectacular clay creations are exquisitely displayed. Some are suspended by invisible wire & appear to be floating in their cubicles. A fresh, modern way to look at very old artifacts. It gets our vote for the most stylish island museum we've come across.