Silenus Jar

3D Model

• Origin: Eijsden, The Netherlands
• Date: Roman period
• Material: Bronze
• Dimensions: H : ~ 7 cm
• Capturing: Canon EOS 80D
• Processing: Agisoft Metashape Professional Software
• Created by : Podolsak, Marta & Ingels, Manuela

This 3D model of a Roman cup in the shape of the god Silenus’ head was found in a tomb in Eijsden, Limburg,The Netherlands in 1880 and acquired later on by the Centre Ceramique (Maastricht, The Netherlands). It was part of a funeral rite to lay offerings in the tomb of a deceased to assist them in the afterlife. This cup is believed to have contained bath ointments which were used in roman bathhouses. Similar objects found in graves indicate that these ointment jars were common grave offerings and called balsamaria by Romans. However, additional analysis and historical research still have to be conducted on this specific balsamarium.

Theme : Religion and Beliefs

(Further sources : Hope, V. M. (2009). Roman death : dying and the dead in ancient rome. Continuum.)