Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An attractive cast-brass situla with a flat base, concave walls which flare gently outward towards the top and dramatically at the lip, and a pair of riveted maskette-shaped attachments with attachment loops above. The arching handle is adorned with hammered circles on one side, with terminals threaded through the loops and then back again on themselves. Two thin pairs of incised striations course around the exterior of the situla and imbue the vessel with a personalized presentation. The situla was originally created for cooling and serving wine at banquets; others were used to hold ashes, or were buried with offerings in tombs. Size: 8.875" W x 4.875" H (22.5 cm x 12.4 cm); 8.5" H (21.6 cm) with handle raised.
As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing one pushed up on his head. Mask motifs on decorative art as well as utilitarian objects speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s
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#145861
Condition
Repair to several areas of base, with possible restoration, and resurfacing over break lines. Slight bending to overall form of rim, attachment loops, and handle, with fading to some finer details on handle, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits as well as great green and brown patina throughout.