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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2012.1.67
Title
Vaulting Tube
Classification
Architectural Elements
Work Type
architectural element
Date
4th-7th century
Period
Roman Imperial period, Late, to Early Byzantine
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/174667

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta
Technique
Molded
Dimensions
14.27 x 3.2 cm (5 5/8 x 1 1/4 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
The Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University (before 1970-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
2012
Object Number
2012.1.67
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Buff-colored terracotta architectural element. One end is a closed, conical shape; the rest is a cylindrical tube. The clay is rough and discolored.

Commentary
Vaulting tubes were used to aid in the construction of barrel vaults and domes. The conical, narrow end of one tube would be connected to the open end of another. The fit allowed enough movement that the interlinked tubes could form light-weight, curved architectural sections of vaults and domes.

Publication History

  • John Crawford, Sidney Goldstein, George M. A. Hanfmann, John Kroll, Judith Lerner, Miranda Marvin, Charlotte Moore, and Duane Roller, Objects of Ancient Daily Life. A Catalogue of the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection Belonging to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, ed. Jane Waldbaum, Department of the Classics (unpublished manuscript, 1970), T33, p. 46 [D. W. Roller]

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu