Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Patera; 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD; 227.18

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitlePatera

About this objectA Roman bronze Patera for offering libations. This patera is of shallow rounded form with central omphalos and offset with finely molded concentric circles underneath. The ribbed handle joined to the bowl by a foliate attachment engraved with a palmette and tendrils, and terminating in the head of a wolf with bared teeth and dense finely-incised fur. A beaded collar is hidden behind heavily bright green and blue patina.

Libation, making a liquid offering to a deity or the deceased, was an important part of daily life for the Greeks and Romans. It was one of the most common and simple acts of piety and religion.

Date Made1st Century BC - 1st Century AD

PeriodEarly Imperial

Place MadeMediterranean Region

Medium and MaterialsMetal; Bronze

Style and IconographyRoman

TechniqueMolding (forming)

TechniqueCasting (process)

MeasurementsHeight 245mm; Width 150mm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimals in art

Subject and Association KeywordsSocial life and customs

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and religion

Subject and Association KeywordsNature in art

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by Doug and Anemarie Gold, 2018

Object TypeContainers

Object number227.18