Roman Bronze Patera Finial in the Shape of a Ram

£ 175.00

A well-detailed, ancient Roman hollow-cast patera finial in the shape of a ram’s head. It is octagonal in plan, with the ram’s head modelled in the round. The ram’s head features distinctive spiral horns and ears, and finely incised skin, eyes, and mouth.

Date: Circa 1st - 3rd Century AD
Condition: Very fine condition, signs of ageing and beautiful green patina on the surface. Ferrous spike to the interior.

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A patera was a broad and shallow dish or bowl, mostly produced in bronze, and often used as a sacred libation vessel. The ram’s head finial could allude to the ritual function of the object, as the ram was a favoured sacrificial victim at Roman festivals. As well as the religious, the patera was also used in the domestic sphere.

For more information about the meanings of animals in Roman art, see our relevant blog post: Animal Symbolism in Roman Art.

 

Weight 72.7 g
Dimensions L 4.5 cm
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Metal

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