New Year lamp

Date1st century

MediumTerra-cotta

Dimensions7 1/4 × 3 1/2 inches (18.4 × 8.9 cm)

CultureRoman Empire, Syria

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineTransferred from the History of Art Collection, Cornell University

Terms

Suriyah
Ceramics
Terra cotta
Syrian (?)

Object number74.074.040

Label CopyThis is a Roman New Year lamp. In the center stands the goddess of victory holding a sheaf of grain in her left hand and a shield in her right. On the shield are the words "ANNV/NOVM/FAVSTVM/FELICEM", wishing the owner "a happy and prosperous new year." Imagery of other Roman pantheon members accompany her: Mercury, the god of commerce, is represented in the depiction of his staff, the caduceus, and signifies blessings of commercial prosperity; Janus, the god of beginnings, is represented in the depiction of his dual heads and signifies hope for the New Year. They are surrounded by different objects that would have been traditionally exchanged as celebratory gifts--or strenae--for the New Year, including dates, figs, and pine cones.

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