FUNERAL ALTAR STONE
Roman Culture
FUNERAL ALTAR STONE
Marble.
Height: 71 cm. Length: 44 cm. Width: 27 cm.
Roman period. 1st century A.D.
Origin
Mesas de Asta. Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
The altar stone is topped off by a triangular pediment, decorated with a rosette framed between two spirals. Behind the pediment and between both spirals is the circular recipient for libations. The jug and patera (shallow dish) used during rituals can be seen on the lateral sides. The inscription reads: D(iis) M(anibus)/ SICINIAE.Q(vinti).F(iliae)/ TVSCILLAE. Consecrated to the Manes. Sicinia Tuscilia, daughter of Quinto. These altars were used to indicate the burial place of the dead person's ashes, and were a symbol for their consecration as a sacred place.
Bibliography
- Esteve Guerrero, M. 1963: “Ara funeraria de Asta Regia y otros hallazgos”. Archivo Español de Arqueología, XXXVI. p. 217.
