The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 dramatically altered the landscape of Pompeii, burying the city and preserving numerous archaeological artifacts. Among these artifacts are two terracotta vessels, believed to be incense burners used in domestic cult practices. These artifacts not only provide insight into the rituals performed in ancient Roman households but also into the substances that were burnt during these rituals.
Incense Burners in Pompeii
The two identified incense burners, discovered during excavations in the 20th century, have become critical to understanding smoke offerings in Roman domestic worship. Both vessels, designated as censer no. 1 and censer no. 2, have been analyzed to uncover their historical context and the types of materials used within them.
Characteristics and Discoveries
- Censer No. 1: A goblet-like terracotta vessel, dating from the late first century BC to 79 AD, found in the Officina di Sabbatino, Pompeii.
- Censer No. 2: A decorated hemispherical bowl featuring three anthropomorphic appliqués, discovered in a domestic shrine at Boscoreale, dated to the mid-first century BC to mid-first century AD.
The contexts of both censers indicate they were integral to domestic rituals aimed at venerating household deities, such as the Lares and Penates.
Domestic Cult Practices
Research indicates that about 570 domestic temples or lararia existed in Pompeii. These temples often contained items for sacrificial offerings, including incense burners. Written sources confirm that Romans frequently offered incense along with other gifts like wine, cakes, and flowers during such rituals.
Ritual Offerings and Ingredients
Archaeological findings reveal evidence of ritual deposits including ashes, charcoal, and occasional remains of animal bones. The residues from the censers analyzed in this study provide valuable insight into the offerings made in private household rituals.
Scientific Analysis Techniques
To better understand the materials used in the censers, various analyses were conducted, including:
- Organic Residue Analysis: This focused on identifying plant-based materials through advanced chemical analysis methods.
- Phytolith and Ash Analysis: The concentration of calcitic micro-remains was assessed to determine the types of plants burned.
Findings of the Analysis
Results from the analysis indicate a combination of flora, including mainly eudicotyledons and a variety of grass types. While one censer showed no preserved lipids, the other revealed resin markers potentially linked to the Burseraceae family, suggesting incense made from valuable resins was indeed used.
Significance of Findings
The archaeological evidence of these incense burners contributes significantly to the field of sensory archaeology. It highlights the complex nature of Roman domestic cult practices by revealing the types of materials offered to the gods, which were often locally sourced plants interchangeable with imported resins.
These findings indicate that while Romans engaged with their local environments, they also participated in global trade networks that brought exotic goods, such as incense, from far-off lands. This suggests that no matter the source, the rituals carried out in the name of their household gods were deeply entwined with the sensory experiences of aroma and offerings.
Conclusion
The preserved incense burners from Pompeii provide pivotal insights into Roman domestic rituals. Their analysis enhances our understanding of the practices surrounding domestic worship, revealing rich connections between local and imported materials used in these sacred acts. As research continues, further discoveries may illuminate more practices that defined everyday life in ancient Pompeii.
