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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.2202.4
Title
Spatula
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Work Type
spatula
Date
1st-4th century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Rome (Latium)
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/99088

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast
Dimensions
15.4 x 0.9 cm (6 1/16 x 3/8 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The patina is crusty green and brown over black. The object appears to be intact.

The spatula was made by casting the general shape, with some possible working to further shape the flat end and finish the surface.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Harold Wilmerding Bell, Cambridge, MA (by 1911), gift; to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University (1911-1977), transfer; to the Fogg Museum.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Gift of H. W. Bell
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.2202.4
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
One end of this instrument terminates in an oval, flat, narrow spade, while the other end terminates in an olivary probe (1). The shaft is straight and circular in section. Four ribbed collars of various widths are visible near the handle and oval spade join.

Greek and Roman medical instruments, many of which were described by ancient authors, have been found, sometimes in sets, throughout the ancient world (2). The instruments could have been used for more than one function, making precise classification difficult in some instances. A spatula is a probe with one flattened, spatula-shaped end and a probe on the other used for stirring and applying medicines, among other uses (3). Spatulae are among the most common instrument types (4).

NOTES:

1. A similar spatula with an olivary tip was found at Vindonissa; see G. Döderlein, Antike medizinische Instrumente: Funde zu Vindonissa (Tuttlingen, 1979) 15 and 17. Compare also J. W. Crowfoot, K. M. Kenyon, and E. L. Sukenik, The Objects from Samaria (London, 1957) 430, no. 25, fig. 100; and E. Künzl, Medizinische Instrumente aus Sepulkralfunden der römischen Kaiserzeit (Cologne, 1983) 47, fig. 15, no. 11.

2. J. S. Milne, Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times (Oxford, 1907) 1-9; and D. Michaelides, “A Roman Surgeon’s Tomb from Nea Paphos,” Report of the Department of Antiquities, Cyprus, 1984: 315-32, esp. 321-23.

3. Milne 1907 (supra 2) 58-61; Michaelides 1984 (supra 2) 325-26; and R. Jackson and S. La Niece, “A Set of Roman Medical Instruments from Italy,” Britannia 17 (1986): 119-67, esp. 158.

4. L. J. Bliquez, Roman Surgical Instruments and Other Minor Objects in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (Mainz, 1994) 46-47.


David Smart

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes
  • Roman Domestic Art

Related Objects

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