October 2019 (123.4)

Archaeological Note

Roman Balsamarium Shaped as a Male Head in Feline-Skin Cap from the Territory of Southeast Bulgaria

By Daniela Agre, Deyan Dichev and Gennady Agre

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The main objective of this archaeological note is to present to the scientific community the most comprehensive data available on a spectacular new find from the territory of the Roman province of Thrace—a brass balsamarium shaped as a male head in a feline-skin cap. By providing a detailed description of the balsamarium, the results of its metallographic analysis, and an accurate account of its archaeological context and its date, we hope to clarify some still unsolved problems related to the function and production of such vessels.

Balsamarium from the brick grave in the Kral Mezar tumulus, left profile.

Balsamarium from the brick grave in the Kral Mezar tumulus, left profile.

Balsamarium from the brick grave in the Kral Mezar tumulus, left profile.

Balsamarium from the brick grave in the Kral Mezar tumulus, left profile.