hippocampus lamp

MAC BCN-005717
Object type oil lamp
Fabric undetermined high imperial production oil lamp
Culture/period Roman world
Materials pottery
Technique moulding
Mint
Production date 1 / 100
Current location Exposició permanent
Archaeological site Procedència desconeguda
Township Desconegut
Dimensions 24 x 74 x 103 mm
Description
Volute lamp with the representation of a sea horse. It is a mythological creature with the torso and front legs of the horse and the lower part of a sea animal with a fish tail. It is the symbol of Neptune, god of the seas and oceans, which he crossed with his chariot pulled by fast horses. Apparently, the Romans also worshiped him as the god of horses and he was invoked in the chariot races in the circus, both for participants to come out unscathed from a crash during the show (naufragium) and to be favoured by the gods and win.
Read more
Image
3D Model
© Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya - Barcelona
Omeka ID 2373