engleski

Hoard of Bronze Vessels from Colonia Iulia Pola (Pula-Croatia)

During the excavation works for the enlargement of the water supply network in Sijana, Pula, in 1904, on the eastern road that used to connect Pola and Nesactium, a large quantity of bronze vessels was discovered at the depth of 24 meters below the surface. A total of eighteen bronze vessels were found in a four-meter wide layer of crumbled vessels, human bones, remnants of the water-well cornice, and dirt, that goes as deep as 28 meters below the surface. The most interesting vessel was an oinochoa, with a representation of a sacrifice offering to Priapus. The vessel is made of heavy cast bronze, while its handle is meticulously ornamented with leaves, from which two birds arise enfolding the spout of the vessel. Below the leaves, there are three fields, two of which feature garlands, and one featuring a huge basket filled with fruits. A tripod brazier and leaves represent the lower part of the handle, the end of which is shaped as a medallion with a representation of the ceremony of offering sacrifice to Priapus. A priest leaning on a palm tree holds an animal firmly between his knees, most likely a pig, and holds a knife in his hand, ready to stab it. In front of them, on the ground, there is a vessel for collecting blood. A herm carrying the image of a divinity with all the features of Priapus with a wreathed head stands opposite to the sacrifice scene, and is divided from it by an ara. The characteristics this vessel has in common with other vessels of different forms, but all of large dimensions, are palm tree leaves, bird's beak, and a finger. Cylindrical cans and a bell are also componential parts of this find. Bearing in mind the circumstances and the contents of the find, it is not possible to determine their context with certainty, but it can be presumed that a shrine dedicated to this divinity was perhaps situated along an exceptionally important Roman road, at the beginning of a fertile plain – the Valtura Field, not far from large Roman estates.

Colonia Iulia Pola ; Hoard ; Bronze Vessels

Colloquia Anatolica et Aegaea