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	Reference: HA1 / Cat. No. Period: Roman Origin: Probably Asia Minor Date: 60 – 100 AD Description: Twin-nozzle. On discus: altar or cista mystica, flanked by two serpents. Crescent handle-ornament. Manufacture: Mould made. Size (cm): L. 18.6, W. 10.5, H. 4.0 (eh) Condition: L. nozzle is a modern reconstruction. Notes: Cf. BMC III, Q3348; Walters, 840. Theme: see Boyce, AJA 1942, pp.13-22. Loeschcke Type III. Comments: Serpents depicted with an altar represented genii loci (guardian spirits of the place). Snakes were also associated with a Roman cista mystica, a ritual casket which played a role in the mystery cults of Dionysus or other deities, and in that context they symbolised the sacred presence.
Last edited: 10-08-2008
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