Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0124
Roman Silver Spoon Property of the God Faunus Cranus
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (32 grams, 91 mm).
Shallow oval bowl with a coiled handle and a duck or swan head facing outwards, Latin inscription 'DEIFAVNI CRANI', '(Property) of the god Faunus Cranus’.
Provenance
UK private collection, 1990s.
with Artemission, London, UK.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. The British Museum, 1981,0201.54 and 1981,0201.58; for inscription 1981,0201.74.
Footnotes
Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer writes: 'In RIB the inscription is categorized as 'religious dedication'; this must be rejected as we would expect the Dative case: deo Fauno ... - for the god Faunus ... But we read the genitive case: dei Fauni Crani: (property of) the God Faunus Cranus. This indicates that all these spoons were used (or intended to be used) during religious ceremonies (connected with meals) probably in a sanctuary of Faunus Cranus. The use of deus (= god) and the Celtic epitheton Cranus indicates a provincial cult with strong indigenous elements.'
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Silver Ring with Jasper Scorpion Gemstone
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
With trumpet-shaped shoulders, ellipsoid drum bezel, inset jasper cloison with intaglio scorpion; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.24 grams, 24.36 mm overall, 16.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Bronze Patera Mount
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £175
Triangular in form with mounting ring above, hollow-formed gorgoneion with palmette below. 50.88 grams, 69 mm
Acquired in 1990. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Silver Spoon Property of the God Faunus Cranus
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,640
Shallow oval bowl with a coiled handle and a duck or swan head facing outwards, Latin inscription 'DEIFAVNI CRANI', '(Property) of the god Faunus Cranus’. 32 grams, 91 mm
UK private collection, 1990s. with Artemission, London, UK. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer writes: 'In RIB the inscription is categorized as 'religious dedication'; this must be rejected as we would expect the Dative case: deo Fauno ... - for the god Faunus ... But we read the genitive case: dei Fauni Crani: (property of) the God Faunus Cranus. This indicates that all these spoons were used (or intended to be used) during religious ceremonies (connected with meals) probably in a sanctuary of Faunus Cranus. The use of deus (= god) and the Celtic epitheton Cranus indicates a provincial cult with strong indigenous elements.'
