banquet for the gods: the cultural significance of a distinctive group of small, first century CE reclining bronze figures

In this paper I present and interpret, for the first time, a previously unrecognised but distinctive assemblage of 90 small copper-alloy figural mounts depicting divine or human banqueters from across the Roman Empire. The reclining deities, most commonly Mercury and genii, and the male and female human banqueteers probably adorned vessels, in particular incense burners. They build on Graeco-Etruscan antecedents, and possibly copy silver vessels decorated with figures in relief such as those mentioned by Cicero. A first century CE date is suggested by excavated examples, which stretch from Italy across the north-western provinces. This analysis enhances our understanding of Roman drinking and dining as well as religious practices, in particular offerings of incense in domestic and funerary rites. The figures were perhaps related to a late Republican propitiatory ritual, and may have also acted as votives once detached from the vessel. Key words: Roman, figural mounts, banqueters, dining, incense burners, votive, religion