Glass Unguentarium
Name/Title
Glass UnguentariumEntry/Object ID
18R07223Description
The rim is slightly out-splayed and flattened. The long tubular neck flares at the junction with the rim and constricts slightly at the junction with the body. Sloping shoulders lead to a rounded body which has a circular base with an impressed circle to one side. The base is slightly concave. The vessel is intact but has encrustation and there is sediment visible inside the vessel.Use
Perfume VesselContext
The narrow mouths of unguentaria are thought to be suited to holding liquids such as water, wine, or even more viscous substances like oil or honey. However, with scientific analysis it has been found that unguentaria also stored pigments and pastes for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. They were also used to hold balms or perfumes. Ancient textual sources also indicate that unguentaria were used to hold dangerous substances (magical or toxic) for ritual purposes. However, their main purpose was to hold perfumes in everyday use or 'holy' oils in funerary rituals. This vessel follows Isings form 82 B2, of which most vessels have been found in cemeteries.Made/Created
Date made
100 CE - 300 CETime Period
Roman ImperialEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Roman