Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A detailed, striking cast bronze oil lamp in the form of the head of an African, who were known as Ethiopians (Aethiops) or Nubians to the Romans. The head is relatively naturalistic until the nose, at which point it elongates into a huge mouth with a hexagonal spout emerging from it like a monstrous tongue. The eyes are large beneath huge arched eyebrows. The incised details of the hair cover the back of the head as well as the surface of the lid. The head stands on a wide, flaring foot. A long, ornate handle, made from two pieces of bronze, extends from the top of the head. Size: 8.15" L x 2.55" W x 3.25" H (20.7 cm x 6.5 cm x 8.3 cm)

The Romans had extensive contacts with people from Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa (in addition to variously occupying land in Egypt and western North Africa). Gold, food, spices, slaves, textiles, coinage, and even exotic animals were part of the robust trade between these regions. Some Africans lived in Rome, and some notable examples ascended to high social status. Well-read Romans regarded the kingdom of Ethiopia - which they used to refer to everything south of Egypt - as a place to be respected. However, in Roman mythology and literature, black skin was a sign of an inhabitant of the Underworld - for example, Charon is described not only as having black skin, but also as having the facial features of an Aethiops by multiple Classical authors, including Ovid, Pliny, and Virgil. Actual African and Egyptian performers played theatrical roles of Underworld characters, and according to Cassius Dio, Emperor Domitian (r. 81-96 CE) threw a dinner party for Senators he disliked where he made his adolescent slaves paint themselves black to represent the Underworld in order to terrify his guests. What Romans intended by their artistic depictions of Africans is unclear, and remains a point of research and debate.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#133300

Smooth grey green patina on surface. Lid remains and hinge is functional. Some deposits on base. Nicely preserved form and details.