
Lar (Primary Title)
Statuette of a Dancing Lar (Alternate Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Burn incense to the gods of the family . . . and offer food so the robed Lares may feed from the dish set out for them as a mark of respect that is received with gratitude. —Ovid, Fasti
The pose of this statuette and the attributes held in his now-missing arms—a cornucopia (horn of plenty) and libation bowl—identify him as a Lar familiaris, the spirit who protected all members of a Roman household (including slaves). The Lar was the focal point of Roman domestic ritual and received daily offerings such as incense, wine, grain, and garlands.
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