Hi all. Here is a frame from a lead mirror from
Caesarea. Except for a variation in the decoration it is nearly identical in shape and
style to a previous example from the same site, and possibly from the same workshop. These artifacts are being reported from all over the map, but different areas seem to have distinctive
types and so far I have not seen any exactly like these. I am wondering about the design feature at the top of the
intact mirror, whether it might have any significant meaning. It reminds me of a little of an astrological sign, or maybe a
head dress of a
Roman god or goddess. Any ideas would be appreciated. Also, and this is a pretty far-fetched idea, but these objects remind me of the Catholic monstrance in their general appearance, though not in their relative sizes! Could there be any distant ritualistic relation? Lead
votive mirrors have been discussed in at least two other
Forum topics, linked below. As always, any other comments or examples from our
members would be welcomed. Thanks, V-drome.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=96778.0https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=124557.0BCC L10 BCC L34
Votive Lead Mirror
Votive Lead Mirror Frame
Roman 2nd-3rd Cent CE
Roman 2nd-3rd Cent CE
Caesarea Maritima
Caesarea Maritima
Lead framed mirror with green
glass Lead frame for
votive or
apotropaicfragment. The
obverse is decorated with mirror decorated with 18 small circles,
pairs of pellets within raised concentric each containing a central pellet. At top
borders around the
glass. Parallel horizontal and bottom are remnants of an uncertain
lines descend the length of the
handle with design element and a flared decorated
with additional pellets in the flare where the
handle. On the
reverse are remains of
handle joins the frame. four retention tabs for the reflective
glass.
8.8cm. x 3.6cm. wt: 22.61gm. 4.6cm. x 3.6 x 0.15cm. wt: 9.40gm.
Diameter of mirror 1.6cm.
Diameter of mirror 2.2cm.
Surface find
Caesarea Maritima, 1978 Surface find,
Caesarea Maritima, ca. 1977