BEAUTIFUL HANDCRAFTED MOSAICS. During recent travels, members of the Foundation for Mythological Studies discovered a group of artisans who specialize in recreating beautiful mosaics from North Africa (second to fifth centuries). All are fabricated by the artists in the Adonis region of Lebanon. The Adonis region is includes the area of Afqa, the sacred source of the Adonis River. According to Lebanese mythology, this is the site where the myth of Venus and Adonis was born. It is within this mythologically rich area that the mosaic artists have located their workshops.
These handmade mosaics are made from natural marble and semi-precious stones, placed one by one in a pattern that is based on the same techniques used by the Greek, Romans and the Byzantines.
Between the second and third centuries, as Rome expanded its settlements in North Africa, thousands of mosaics were created to pave the floors of private homes and many public buildings such as the bath houses. Mosaics were abundant in the region that is today Tunisia.
Read more on the History of Mosaics...
These beautiful mosaics are inspired by and represent fascinating historical records of life in ancient North Africa. The mythological subjects vary from classical mythology to animals to daily life. They are exquisite and can be displayed in a variety of ways.
It is our great pleasure to make these incredible mosaics available to our FMS community at a very special rate. Like the originals, they are meticulously crafted and detailed. The sale of these beautiful artifacts supports not only these dedicated craftspeople, but also FMS programs and workshops.
We have chosen six mythological images for our FMS community:
1. Head of the god Oceanus. Based upon original from Third century.
The marine thiasos was a great inspiration for African artists and this formidable depiction of Oceanus is inspired by one of the most incredible mosaics ever made. Oceanus, protector of all oceans and rivers, as shown by the water coming from his mouth and the lobster claws from the head. The artistry also depicts the abundance of the sea. The original mosaic is housed at the Sousse Museum.
Price: $1000.00 + tax /shipping. Click to purchase
2. Nereid (or possibly Venus) with the Great Sea Horse. Based upon original from Third century.
This mosaic is inspired by the original portrayal of a Nereid, or sea nymph, traveling through the waters along side the beautiful great sea horse with the serpent’s tail. Dolphins play nearby. One can also think of Venus and Neptune or the association of Aphrodite and Poseidon. The original mosaic is housed in El Jem Museum.
Price: $1000.00 + tax/shipping. Click to purchase
3. Woman Pouring Roses. Based upon original from Roman, early fifth century.
This stunning mosaic constitutes one of two pairs of bejeweled, partially clad women (Woman Pouring Roses and Woman Pouring Water) inspired from the originals at the bath at Sidi Ghrib. She is pouring rosebuds from a wicker basket. Behind her is a fence enclosing blooming rose bushes. Roses are associated with Venus, the goddess of love, and with springtime. Original plates housed at the Carthage Museum.
Price: $1000.00 + tax/shipping. Click to purchase
4. Woman Pouring Water. Based upon original from Roman, early fifth century.
This is the second part of the provocative series. This female figure is pouring water from a jug into a basin held in her left hand. These two original mosaics (Woman Pouring Roses and Woman Pouring Water) were originally on the floor of a bath in a villa in Sidi Ghrib and thought to be part of a large scene depicting the nuptials of Neptune.
Price: $1000.00 + tax/shipping. Click to purchase
5. Elephant at the Threshold. Based upon original from Roman, fourth century.
This intricate mosaic was inspired by the origin mosaic from the peristyle in the House of the Laberii at Uthina (present-day Oudhna). It was part of a large panel that included a stallion and a bear and was placed in front of the main room’s threshold. This primary room led to more than thirty other rooms, but first this threshold had to be crossed. Our Executive Director writes, “I chose this elephant because of the eye – the fierceness and the sadness in the eye moved me. Considering what the elephants are trying to tell us today, I wanted in some way to honor this great being.” Original housed at the Bardo Museum.
Price: $1000.00 + tax/shipping. Click to purchase
6. Fish and Sea Life Spilling From a Basket. Based upon original from Third century.
Mosaic compositions of fishing suggested the importance of the sea for ancient Tunisia. This beautiful basket is inspired by the original mosaic that followed the mythology that the sea was plentiful. What is so interesting about the fishing mosaics is that they also document all six of the early Tunisian fishing practices: line, cast, net, basket trap, trident, floating gill net, and dragnet. Sadly, it is also from these same practices that much of the Tunisian coastline has been overfished. This mosaic, however also represents the diversity and beauty of the great oceans. The original came from an estate near Lake Bizerta. Original plate at the Sousse Museum.
Price: $1000.00 + tax/shipping. Click to purchase
See Map of Tunisia showing archeological sites of early mosaics.
Mosaic Technical Details:
Size of each mosaic: 24 inches X 24 inches
Weight of each mosaic: 10lbs - 12 lbs. total shipping weight
Traditional tile backing – mosaic can be framed or laid into an existing floor as a tile piece, or set in a wall.
Shipping method:
What Can You Do With Your Mosaic?
Traditionally, mosaics were flooring. They were used to depict the values and mythologies of the people who trod upon them daily. They served as everyday reminders of the world of psyche, the beliefs that ground us, the link from the human to the immortal. We suggest you use your art in a similar fashion and find a place where these ancient images evoke a daily response in your own soul.
Mosaics have been used in bathrooms, kitchens, gardens, fountains, tables and pools, as well as floors. We invite you to enter your imagination for inspiration. Send us photos of your own applications and we will post them on the website, if you are amenable).
Note: These mosaics can be framed and hung on a wall. However, they are quite heavy and require special mounting. FMS also strongly suggests that you consult with a professional when laying your mosaic into an existing floor or other surface. We cannot assume responsibility for your choice of application.
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