Vessel, pottery fragment, Roman Terra Sigillata, Mortarium, lion head motif
Country
England
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Object detail
Description
Square body fragment from a Terra sigillata pottery bowl, known as a mortarium, used similarly to a mortar and pestle. It displays a lions head embellishment. This was a large shallow mixing bowl, where the user poured liquid into the bowl, the excess of which could pour out the lions mouth. Damage to the surface gloss of mid orange reveals beige fabric.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY
Production place
Measurements
L80mm x W48mm x D26mm
Media/Materials description
Pottery vessel made of fired clay, complete or fragmented
Inclusions to make the clay less sticky, reduce shrinkage, increase resistance to thermal shock and strength prior to firing.
Gloss (gloss is produced by dipping the vessel into a slip with a high proportion of very fine clay particles. The difference between a slip and a gloss is that a slip is applied to give a different colour, and a gloss is applied to give a sheen to the surface).
Inclusions to make the clay less sticky, reduce shrinkage, increase resistance to thermal shock and strength prior to firing.
Gloss (gloss is produced by dipping the vessel into a slip with a high proportion of very fine clay particles. The difference between a slip and a gloss is that a slip is applied to give a different colour, and a gloss is applied to give a sheen to the surface).
History and use
Fragment of Roman red-ware vessel, known as a mortarium (mortar and pestle). It displays lions head embellishment. This was a large shallow mixing bowl, where the user poured liquid into the bowl, the excess of which could pour out the lions mouth. Moulded vessels are commoly depicted with mythological scenes and may have been made in South Gaul.
Associated person
Registration number
H6378.3
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