Stamped Amphora Handle
90-140 CE
Description
The meaning of the word ACIRGI is unknown, and unparalleled in Western Europe. It does not appear to be a personal name, but instead probably comes from a townname, along lines similar to other Baetican towns such as Celti, Astigi, and Axati. The location of this particular estate, which is characterized by grey or buff clay, cannot be precisely identified, but either Baetica or Gallia Narbonensis are the most likely candidates. Baetica is supported by the shape of the vessels on which these stamps are found; Narbonensis by find-spots. The location of these stamps within Monte Testaccio suggests the date.
Dimensions
15 cm (5 7/8 in.)
Provenance
From Monte Testaccio, acquired; by George J. Pfeiffer and Rachel Hartwell Pfeiffer, Cambridge, MA (by 1905), gift; to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (1905-1977), transfer; to the Fogg Museum, 1977. Transfer from Department of the Classics, 1977.
Related Artworks
View MoreHard-paste porcelain decorated with polychrome enamels
18th centuryGermanTerracotta
GreekGray earthenware with cold-painted pigments
2nd-1st century BCEChineseCizhou ware: light gray stoneware with decoration painted in underglaze brown slip over a white slip ground
16th-17th centuryChineseTerracotta
Terracotta
14th-12th century BCEMycenaeanCarved rhinoceros horn
17th centuryChineseExport blue-and-white ware, imitation kraak porcelain: porcelain with decoration painted in underglaze cobalt blue; with underglaze cobalt blue hallmark of a single Chinese character reading "yu" (jade) within a double circle on the base
17th-18th centuryChineseGilded silver
19th centuryEuropeanBlue-green glass
4th-5th century CERomanCeramic
19th centuryJapanese