/internal/media/dispatcher/1052064/resize%25253Aformat%25253DthumbnailCinerary urn with coverLate 3rd century B.C.Height (max.) x length (of cover): 104 x 75 cm (40 15/16 x 29 1/2 in.)Limestone (possibly travertine), the chest is smoother and less porous than the lidBartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 191213.2860a0This object is one of five ash urns found in a tomb of the Velsi family of ancient Chiusi. This urn is the largest and best preserved of the group. Its inscription, ""FASTIA VELSI LARZL VELUS PUIA," which extends across the front and part of the left end of the lid, identifies the cremated remains as those of "Fastia Velsi, wife of Larza Velu."
The woman reclining on two cushions is likely an idealized portrait of Fastia Velsi herself. She wears a sleeveless tunic held in by a belt, a veil, and a mantle which she holds in her right hand. On her right foot, which protrudes slightly beyond the edge of the lid, is a sandal. Around her neck is a torque and on her right arm two twisted bracelets. A slight ridge on the third finger of the left hand may indicate a ring. On the urn's front is a Skylla, a winged marine monster with the torso of a young woman and coiled fishtails instead of legs. On its forehead is a pair of small wings, in its left hand a sword (?), in its right a stone (?). Many Etruscans believed that the journey to the Underworld involved a dangerous sea voyage.
Painted on the molding above the panel is an egg-and-dart pattern; on each side a fluted column. A patera in a sunken panel decorates each end. The portion below the panels, on both front and ends, is hewn into the form of a double scroll. The back of the chest is unadorned. The object's pigmentation includes black, brown, pale blue, red, and pink.
A small spot on the back of the lid is restored, and the ends of the chest below the panels are slightly damaged. Otherwise, the condition of the ensemble is excellent, and a great deal of the paint remains.Tomb equipment104.000000000075.000000000015137901