**Originally Listed At $300**

Roman, Republic to Imperial Period, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A cast brass ceremonial ladle with a long handle that curves downward to form an animal headed terminal and loop - perhaps representing a deer or a dog. Although the bowl on this ladle is a modern replacement it closely resembles other ancient examples from the period. The ladle - in Latin, a simpulum or simpuvium - was used to make libations and to taste wines and liquors that were poured on the heads of sacrificial victims. It was also more generally just a utensil, shown in banqueting scenes on Greek and Roman vases aiding in the distribution of wine into cups. Size: 9.5" L x 2" W (24.1 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175387

Repaired and restored with new material. Bowl is a modern addition with a man-made patina to match handle. Handle is ancient and reattached to bowl. And repairs to animal head terminal. Dark patina and toning throughout.