Ancient Roman Terracotta Feeding Vessel with Handle | Circa 1st – 4th Century CE
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Roman Mediterranean
Material: Wheel-made terracotta with surviving red-orange surface slip
Period: Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–4th century CE
Description
This ancient terracotta vessel is a compact globular container dating broadly to the Roman Imperial period and appears consistent with the class of small ceramic feeding or dispensing vessels commonly known as tettinae.
The vessel is formed around a nearly spherical body with a very small circular filling aperture positioned at the top. A small applied loop or strap handle survives along one side, allowing the vessel to be held or controlled while its contents were dispensed.
Of particular interest is the circular damaged area on the opposite side of the body. This appears to represent the attachment point of an originally projecting tubular spout, now largely lost. Small Roman vessels of this general form frequently incorporated a narrow spout projecting from the body, permitting liquid or semi-liquid contents to be administered gradually.
Much of the exterior retains a warm red to reddish-orange surface, interrupted by extensive pale earthen and mineral deposits. The weathered surface, losses, and encrustation give the vessel a distinctly archaeological character.
Although traditionally described as Roman infant feeding bottles, archaeological research suggests these vessels may have served a somewhat broader range of purposes, with residue studies indicating that their contents were not limited exclusively to milk.
Features
- Compact globular body
- Small upper filling aperture
- Surviving applied side handle
- Circular attachment area from a now-lost projecting spout
- Red-orange surface slip or wash
- Extensive pale mineral and burial deposits
- Wheel-made construction
- Characteristic small-scale utilitarian form
Cultural Significance
Small spouted ceramic vessels offer an unusually personal glimpse into everyday life in the Roman world. Archaeological examples have frequently been recovered in contexts associated with children and have traditionally been interpreted as feeding vessels used during infancy or weaning.
Their exact function remains somewhat broader than the familiar term baby bottle implies. Such vessels could have been suitable for carefully dispensing milk, soft foods, medicinal preparations, oils, or other liquids where a narrow controlled flow was desirable. The compact proportions of this example correspond well with documented Roman vessels of this general class.
Condition
Ancient and fragmentary condition consistent with archaeological age. The globular body remains substantially intact, while the original projecting side spout appears to be largely lost, leaving a circular break and opening in the vessel wall. The small upper mouth and applied handle remain present.
There is extensive surface wear, loss and fading of the reddish surface treatment, mineral encrustation, earthen deposits, abrasions, small chips, and localized losses throughout. These alterations are consistent with prolonged burial and age.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.25 in
Diameter: 3.25 in
Age (Approximate)
1,600–2,000 years old
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Jack Guevrekian, Manhasset, New York, a noted New York numismatist and collector with a particular interest in Armenian coinage, antiquities, and ancient material. Guevrekian assembled an extensive collection over several decades, a significant portion of which was publicly offered as The Jack Guevrekian Collection by the Numismatic & Antiquarian Service Corporation of America in New York in 1977.
Subsequently held in a private New York City collection.
Later handled by the Howard S. Rose Gallery / Arte Primitivo in New York, a longstanding specialist gallery and auction house dealing in Pre-Columbian, Classical, Egyptian, Asian, and ethnographic antiquities and works of art. The gallery has conducted specialist auctions, exhibitions, and private sales from its New York premises.
Subsequently handled by Artemis Fine Arts / Artemis Gallery, a Colorado-based specialist in antiquities, ancient art, ethnographic material, and fine art that has been active in the field since 1993. Then entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Learn more about Roman tettinae and ancient feeding vessels through the London Museum
Explore our Collection of Roman and Greek Artifacts
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Roman Mediterranean
Material: Wheel-made terracotta with surviving red-orange surface slip
Period: Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–4th century CE
Description
This ancient terracotta vessel is a compact globular container dating broadly to the Roman Imperial period and appears consistent with the class of small ceramic feeding or dispensing vessels commonly known as tettinae.
The vessel is formed around a nearly spherical body with a very small circular filling aperture positioned at the top. A small applied loop or strap handle survives along one side, allowing the vessel to be held or controlled while its contents were dispensed.
Of particular interest is the circular damaged area on the opposite side of the body. This appears to represent the attachment point of an originally projecting tubular spout, now largely lost. Small Roman vessels of this general form frequently incorporated a narrow spout projecting from the body, permitting liquid or semi-liquid contents to be administered gradually.
Much of the exterior retains a warm red to reddish-orange surface, interrupted by extensive pale earthen and mineral deposits. The weathered surface, losses, and encrustation give the vessel a distinctly archaeological character.
Although traditionally described as Roman infant feeding bottles, archaeological research suggests these vessels may have served a somewhat broader range of purposes, with residue studies indicating that their contents were not limited exclusively to milk.
Features
- Compact globular body
- Small upper filling aperture
- Surviving applied side handle
- Circular attachment area from a now-lost projecting spout
- Red-orange surface slip or wash
- Extensive pale mineral and burial deposits
- Wheel-made construction
- Characteristic small-scale utilitarian form
Cultural Significance
Small spouted ceramic vessels offer an unusually personal glimpse into everyday life in the Roman world. Archaeological examples have frequently been recovered in contexts associated with children and have traditionally been interpreted as feeding vessels used during infancy or weaning.
Their exact function remains somewhat broader than the familiar term baby bottle implies. Such vessels could have been suitable for carefully dispensing milk, soft foods, medicinal preparations, oils, or other liquids where a narrow controlled flow was desirable. The compact proportions of this example correspond well with documented Roman vessels of this general class.
Condition
Ancient and fragmentary condition consistent with archaeological age. The globular body remains substantially intact, while the original projecting side spout appears to be largely lost, leaving a circular break and opening in the vessel wall. The small upper mouth and applied handle remain present.
There is extensive surface wear, loss and fading of the reddish surface treatment, mineral encrustation, earthen deposits, abrasions, small chips, and localized losses throughout. These alterations are consistent with prolonged burial and age.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.25 in
Diameter: 3.25 in
Age (Approximate)
1,600–2,000 years old
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Jack Guevrekian, Manhasset, New York, a noted New York numismatist and collector with a particular interest in Armenian coinage, antiquities, and ancient material. Guevrekian assembled an extensive collection over several decades, a significant portion of which was publicly offered as The Jack Guevrekian Collection by the Numismatic & Antiquarian Service Corporation of America in New York in 1977.
Subsequently held in a private New York City collection.
Later handled by the Howard S. Rose Gallery / Arte Primitivo in New York, a longstanding specialist gallery and auction house dealing in Pre-Columbian, Classical, Egyptian, Asian, and ethnographic antiquities and works of art. The gallery has conducted specialist auctions, exhibitions, and private sales from its New York premises.
Subsequently handled by Artemis Fine Arts / Artemis Gallery, a Colorado-based specialist in antiquities, ancient art, ethnographic material, and fine art that has been active in the field since 1993. Then entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Learn More
Learn more about Roman tettinae and ancient feeding vessels through the London Museum
Explore our Collection of Roman and Greek Artifacts
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