Situla
A situla is a bucket-shaped vessel with a handle, known in several cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. Bronze examples survive, but wall shape and dimensions vary. A situla could hold water or other liquids; the function of a particular find must be inferred from its context, not from the name alone.
Situlae occur in both everyday and cultic settings. An ornate vessel should not automatically be described as a Roman legionary's campaign bucket, nor a plain one as sacrificial equipment. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a bronze situla in its Greek and Roman collection (inv. 23.160.101). It illustrates the basic form without defining a universal ancient type.
Situla of Pompeii. Bronze. 33*26 cm. Gragnano,Villa Carmiano,second room. Inv. No. 63304. 1st century AD
Situla of Pompeii. Reconstruction
Cast bronze capsule. Ex Malter Galleries,USA. 1-3 century ADMaterial, handle attachment, repairs and findspot all matter when studying a situla. Decoration may reveal a patron's tastes or a ritual image, but not necessarily the vessel's actual use. A reconstruction should compare dimensions and suspension details with an archaeological example from the relevant period and region.
Related topics
Cauldron · Patera · Sacrifices in ancient Rome
Sources and objects
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: bronze situla, inv. 23.160.101.
- H. E. M. Cool. Eating and Drinking in Roman Britain.
Situla. Ex Malter Galleries,USA. 1-3 century AD
Bronze capsule. 26.4x23. 9 cm. Louisville,CO,US. #138954. 3-4 century AD
Bronze capsule. 26.4x23. 9 cm. Louisville,CO,US. #138954. 3-4 century AD
Bronze capsule. 26.4x23. 9 cm. Louisville,CO,US. #138954. 3-4 century AD
Bronze capsule. 26.4x23. 9 cm. Louisville,CO,US. #138954. 3-4 century AD
Bronze capsule. 26.4x23. 9 cm. Louisville,CO,US. #138954. 3-4 century AD
Bronze situla with the head of Silenus. Private collection in London. Height-8.9 cm. 2nd century AD
Bronze situla with the head of Silenus. Private collection in London. Height-8.9 cm. 2nd century AD
Bronze situla with the head of Silenus. Private collection in London. Height-8.9 cm. 2nd century AD
Bronze situla with the head of Silenus. Private collection in London. Height-8.9 cm. 2nd century AD
Bronze situla with the head of Silenus. Private collection in London. Height-8.9 cm. 2nd century AD
Bronze forged doll. Private collection Houston,Texas,USA. 1-2 century AD
Bronze capsule. Museum of Turin. Italy. 1-2 century AD
Bronze capsule. Private collection. 1-2 century AD
Bronze capsule. Private collection. 1-2 century AD
Bronze capsule. Private collection in the USA. 1-2 century AD
Bronze capsule. 1-2 century AD
Bronze capsule. Second half of the 2nd century ADInterested in Ancient Rome beyond reading? Join Legio X Fretensis or explore our reenactment directions.
