/internal/media/dispatcher/1066236/resize%25253Aformat%25253Dthumbnail;jsessionid=0120A8B7EBBF48342C2469CFD9E5E1EBPerfume jar (balsamarium) in the shape of female head (Aphrodite / Turan?)late 3rd–early 2nd century B.C.Overall: 10.5 x 7.6 x 6.4 cm (4 1/8 x 3 x 2 1/2 in.)BronzeHenry Lillie Pierce Fund98.6820A balsamarium or perfume vase in the shape of a woman's head, most likely the goddess of love Turan or the Lasae, Etruscan spirits of beauty who waited on divine and mortal women at their toilet. As it was found in a tomb in Etruria (between Ferentium and Bomarzo), most likely a prized possession of a wealthy Etruscan lady. The head is decorated with a diadem with two doves (associated with the worship of Aphrodite), elongated drop earrings, and a necklace of pendants. The eyes were inserted--probably glass irises were set into a fine lime paste. The base is decorated with a rosette.
The lid is missing and there is no evidence of any attached handles. Dark and light green patina with heavy earth encrustation.Vessels10.500000000015314101