Roman Holy Land, Syro-Palestine region, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE, probably earlier in that period. A rare find, a gorgeous creamy-white paste glass patella, a small dish or plate. The surface is smooth and matte, with a nice patina of ancient deposits. It stands on a diminutive ring foot and has a relatively deep, bell-shaped body that flares outward around the neck into a broad, sloping rim. A paste glass patella is a rarity, as most are made of metal or earthenware. The patella was used domestically - for the practical purpose of holding food (or, in the case of a small one like this, sauce like garum or condiments like salt), and for the ritual purpose of making offerings to the Lares, the hearth guardians. Plautus even called these gods "patellari dii," the patella gods. Every household needed to have at least one patella for making these important sacrifices. Size: 3.5" W x 1.5" H (8.9 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#132485

Repaired from five or six pieces. Repairs are well done and very difficult to see. Very nice deposits on surface.