Label Text:
Installed in Art Before 700 CE, Spring 2025 Label:

Offerings

The objects in this case point to the importance of libations (liquid offerings made to deities) in some Mediterranean and Eurasian religions. People poured liquids, often wine, onto the ground or an altar from a shallow dish (patera) in order to placate the gods and ask for their assistance. The gods and goddesses seen in this case all seem to hold paterae in their right hands, as does Bacchus in the fresco to the right. By doing so, these deities helpfully demonstrate the proper way to offer libations in exchange for their good favor and protection.

[Displayed with 1926.1.B.OI, 2013.31, 1910.8.C.B]

Tags:
ancient; archaeology; cosmetics; figures

Subjects:
archaeological objects; Civilization, Ancient; figures (representations)

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=MH+2018.14.11

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.