Cinerary urn with painted decoration
Medium:Earthenware
Geography: Chiusi, Etruria (modern Chiusi, Italy)
Date: about 200-100 BC
Period: Hellenistic period (Etruscan)
Object number: 920X100.6.A
Credit Line: Gift of Sigmund Samuel
Gallery Location:Eaton Gallery of Rome - Bratty Exhibit of Etruria
DescriptionThe Etruscans began to cremate their dead during the 9th century BC. Clay jars, used as burial urns, were placed in simple pits in the ground with accompanying offerings.
This type of urn, common at Chiusi, often bear late Etruscan painted inscriptions naming the deceased. The wreaths or ribbons are painted in tempera colours over a white slip.
