From Phersu to Persona: A Linguistic Tapestry Unravels in an ancient Tomb

Journey back to 530 B.C. in the eerie silence of Etruscan tombs, where the enigmatic Phersu takes center stage in the "Tomba degli Auguri." - The tomb of the fortune tellers. His presence, draped in a wild animal skin, adorned with a distinctive mask, marks the seed of a narrative that echoes through history to each and every one of us who define themselves as "Person".

The name Phersu is inscribed in the tomb by this individual's head, a simple label written in ancient Etruscan, with proto-Greek characters. The name, unknown to most of us, transcends time: It is painted next to the figure's head, much like the name of Greek heroes on Attic vases was often inscribed next to them, or a more modern Amedeo Modigliani labelling the name of a portrait sitter in late 19th Century Paris.

Delving into linguistic evolution we learn that 'phersu' becomes the root of the Latin 'persona' – a term shaping our contemporary understanding of identity, unmasking the ancient origins embedded in the very fabric of modern language and philosophy of self.

It is poignant to consider that the Etruscans preceded the Romans and even dominated the early Roman kingdom with Roman kings of their own, shaping many later Roman customs. "Phersu" suggests that one legacy was the gift of personal identity, or at least the label for it "Phersu-na", which the Romans later elaborated into highly evolved Roman laws of personal rights. Today we live with the word as well as many of the individual beliefs and rights which they encoded.

The Theatrical Alchemy: Phersu's Mask in Context of a broader cultural canvas

This character, this painting, can also be considered as the point where primal personal essence meets the artistic expression of western culture: Phersu's image reveals a theatrical tradition that goes beyond mere representation. The masked spectacle in the "Tomba degli Auguri," blurs many boundaries, setting the stage for an enduring legacy.

• the boundary between reality and theatricality
• between life, death and the world beyond
• between self and collective society
• between the self we perceive and the self seen by others

In the theatrical realms of Greece and Rome masks ceased to be mere disguises. Theatre masks were vessels for the embodiment and public projection of characters and emotions. From the comedic genius of Plautus to the vivid frescoes of Rome and Pompeii we can witness the theatrical allure of masks in action. Depictions of Roman theatre and art capture the essence of concealed identities, becoming a bridge between fiction and reality, showcasing the enduring fascination with transformative masks.

Graeco-Roman art paints a vivid picture of masked expressions, symbolizing the entwined nature of identity and performance. In plays and frescoes, masks transcend their physical form, encapsulating the enduring legacy of Etruscan influence in the evolution of 'persona.'

Unraveling Centuries: The Masked Odyssey of 'Persona'

So there we have it: As we trace the ancient roots of our modern 'persona' and our individual identity, the journey unravels a captivating narrative.

Phersu's mask in the Etruscan tomb of the 6th century BC becomes a symbolic starting point, connecting us to a world where masks were not just disguises but powerful conduits for shaping identity – a legacy that persists in our understanding of 'person' today, echoed in notions of self understanding, social place and individual rights encoded in common laws and 21st century cultural traditions, from Venice to Rio.