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Phersu

The Phersu is a male masked figure that is commonly found in Etruscan tomb painting, the most notable of which are in Tarquinia dating from the Late Archaic Period. It is painted in depictions of the funerary rites performed at burials. The Phersu is most likely not a mythological figure or deity, but an actor that performs ritual funerary games and bloodshed in order to honor the deceased. The name Phersu has been erroneously associated in the past with the Greek mythological figure Perseus, however it is most likely a derivation of the Greek word for persona, πρόσωπον (prosōpon).

Depictions

The Phersu has been consistently represented in all of its depictions. It is always male, signified by its participation in athletics, as well as his skin tone, which is painted with a darker, reddish color than is used for female figures. Most depictions of the Phersu have been found in tombs in Tarquinia. They include, most famously, the Tomb of the Augurs, the Tomb of the Olympiads, the Tomb of the Pulcinella, and the Tomb of the Cock. As a result they all maintain a similar artistic styling that is unique to the region. The Phersu is generally depicted with a bearded mask, a pointy hat, and some sort of athletic or protective clothing. In the Tomb of the Augurs, two Phersus are depicted. One wears a short black and white jerkin with a red loincloth, and the other wears a short chiton that reveals his genitals. The first Phersu, located on the far right wall of the tomb. He is involved in a conflict with another male figure whose face has been obscured by a blindfold or mask, so that he is unable to see his attacker. The Phersu holds a leash that wraps around his opponent and his weapon, and leads to a large black dog that is viciously attacking. This scene depicts a rigged fight, akin to human sacrifice. They are not simply performative gestures, but visceral bloodletting practice used to revitalize the deceased. He is depicted next to a pair of wrestlers, both of whom have their names inscribed: Teitu and Latithe. Singular names indicate that they are slaves and therefore that slaves are the primary demographic being sacrificed in these games. It is also postulated that this practice was the predecessor to the Roman gladiator games, as the use of slaves may have been used as a substitution for prisoners of war. On the opposite wall, another Phersu wearing a shorter chiton runs, looking behind himself with his arms up in a boxing gesture. It is debated whether or not he is being chased by someone or simply frolicking in the flora. His chiton is shorter than the jerkin on the previous Phersu, and it rises above his genitals. This could be a gesture of intimidation, as nudity has been used frequently as an apotropaic symbol in Etruscan art.

Depiction of the Phersu from Tomb of the Augurs, Tarquinia Ca. 520 BCE.

Analogous Deities

The Phersu is clearly Etruscan in origin, and although it is not a God or deity, there is some association with the Greek myths of Orpheus and Dionysus, i.e. Fufluns. The Phersu already holds some resemblance to Fufluns due to its presence in ritual celebrations and theatre. The acts of violence carried out by the Phersu could also be associated with the myth of Dionysus’ dismemberment by the Titans, and therefore his subsequent death and rebirth. This recalls the idea of bloodshed as a means of revitalization, and of the body as a prison.

References

Avramidou, Amalia. The Phersu Game Revisited, Etruscan Studies. 2009.

Haynes, Sybille. Etruscan Civilization: A Cultural History. British Museum Press. 2000.

Jannot, Jean-Renet and Jane Whitehead. Religion in Ancient Etruria. University of Wisconsin Press. 2005.