The Ram's Heads on the Pompeian Quadrivalve Speculum (Bliquez, Jackson 291; Naples Arch. Mus. 113264)
Authors
Lawrence Bliquez
Department of Classics, University of Washington, Washington, USA
Keywords:
Speculum , Egyptian creator gods, Papyrus of Tameniu
Abstract
This article discusses the hypothesis that the ram’s heads on the speculum recovered in Pompeii in 1881-82 had some symbolic significance - on the basis of the connection between the ram and the human reproductive organs, well testified in Egyptian mythology. In fact, there is ample evidenceof Egyptian influence in Pompeii, particularly nearby the houses where we presume the discovery of the speculum was made.
