Historical Context & Origin
Region: Roman North Africa (Modern Tunisia)
Material: Terracotta (Earthenware) with white slip surface
Period: Roman Imperial Period, ca. 2nd–3rd Century CE (100–300 CE)
Description
This collection consists of two authentic Ancient Roman terracotta low bowl vessels, commonly referred to as kassérines or shallow serving bowls, originating from Roman North Africa in present-day Tunisia. Hand-formed in fine earthenware and coated with a pale white slip, the vessels display the simple yet refined forms characteristic of utilitarian Roman tableware produced throughout the provinces of the Roman Empire.
The larger example features a broad shallow basin with a pronounced ringed rim and low foot, while the smaller vessel exhibits a similar profile with carefully executed concentric molding around the rim. Both vessels retain substantial original surfaces and display the attractive mineral deposits, earthen encrustations, and archaeological patina expected from centuries of burial.
Roman North Africa was among the empire's most important centers of ceramic production, supplying vessels throughout the Mediterranean world. Bowls of this type were used in both domestic and commercial settings for the serving, preparation, and consumption of food. Their restrained forms reflect the practical sophistication of Roman daily life while providing insight into the extensive trade networks and manufacturing traditions of the ancient Mediterranean.
Accompanied by extensive historical collection documentation, these vessels represent exceptionally well-documented examples of Roman provincial pottery.
Features
- Group of two authentic Ancient Roman terracotta bowl vessels
- Roman North African (Tunisian) origin
- Dating to approximately 100–300 CE
- Earthenware construction with white slip surfaces
- Concentric molded rim decoration
- Distinctive archaeological patina and mineral deposits
- Accompanied by original collection records and photographs
- Well-documented collecting history spanning several decades
Historical Significance
Roman North Africa became one of the empire's most productive ceramic manufacturing regions following its incorporation into the Roman world. Workshops throughout modern Tunisia produced a wide range of utilitarian and luxury wares that were traded extensively across the Mediterranean basin.
Vessels such as these formed part of everyday Roman life and would have been used for serving food, storage, or domestic preparation. Surviving examples provide valuable evidence of Roman dining customs, regional ceramic traditions, and the economic integration of provincial communities within the broader Roman Empire.
Condition
Ancient condition with expected age-related wear, surface weathering, mineral deposits, burial encrustations, scattered losses, and areas of slip wear throughout. The larger vessel exhibits rim losses and areas of archaeological surface degradation consistent with long-term burial. Both vessels remain stable for display and retain excellent visual appeal.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Larger Bowl
Diameter: 7 in
Height: 1.5 in
Smaller Bowl
Diameter: 6 in
Height: 2.5 in
Age (Approximate)
1,700–1,900 years old
Provenance
Purchased in Tunisia in 1982 and subsequently retained in the McMillan Collection, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, for more than four decades. The vessels are accompanied by their original McMillan Collection inventory card, which identifies the pieces as Roman Kassérine vessels dating to the 2nd–3rd Century CE and records their purchase from Tunisian archaeologist Néjib Ben Lazrag of the Institut National d’Archéologie et d’Art, Tunis.
The collection archive also includes original color photographs of the vessels taken while in the McMillan Collection during the 1980s, together with the original collection inventory records and valuation documentation associated with the collection.
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