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Balsamaria, or ointment jars, were carried to the
baths filled with precious unguents for use there.
They have been found with strigils, or scrapers,
further supporting their function as containers
for oil. Applying oil and then scraping it off with
a slightly curved blade-like strigil was a common
part of the bathing process. Balsamaria were
produced in the first three centuries of the
Roman Empire in a variety of forms, including
busts and animal shapes. Scholars believe that
bronze vessels of this type
are thought to have been used as oil containers
specifically by athletes. The scenes of wild beasts
rendered
in low relief are thought to refer to the stages
hunts that were held in amphitheaters and were
an integral part of athletic spectacles in Ancient
Rome.
For related examples see:
Claudia Braun, Romische Bronzebalsamarien
mit Reliefdekor; BAR Internation Series 917;
2001, pls. 11, 18, and 19.
- (CK.0141)
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