Roman simpulum

Roman simpulum
ITEM: Simpulum
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 190 mm x 56 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Roman simpulum was a ritual vessel used primarily in religious ceremonies, especially those involving sacrifices. It is a type of ladle, typically made of bronze or silver, with a long handle and a shallow, wide bowl. The simpulum was used by priests to scoop liquids such as wine, water, or blood, which were then offered to the gods or used in purification rituals. The shape of the simpulum—with its curved spout and extended handle—was ideal for pouring or offering libations during various public and private religious rites. This tool was an essential part of the Roman sacrificial process, highlighting the importance of precise and reverent ritual actions.

The design of the simpulum evolved over time, with variations in size, material, and decoration. While early examples were often simple, later simpulum vessels became more ornate, reflecting the wealth and status of the individuals or temples that commissioned them. Some examples feature intricate relief decorations, inscriptions, or images of gods and mythological figures, underscoring the symbolic and religious significance of these objects. The use of high-quality materials like silver or gilded bronze for simpulum vessels also points to their importance in Roman ceremonial life, especially in public religious events and festivals.

The simpulum had a continued presence in Roman culture, not just as a ceremonial object, but also as a symbol of the connection between humans and the divine.

Measurement:

5.6 x 19 cm