Statuette of a Priest with Veiled Head

The statuette, made of solid-cast bronze, depicts a male figure standing on a pedestal. The man is shown with his head covered by the fold of his toga, in accordance with the custom of Roman priests (pontifices). The face is serene and idealized, with regular, composed features; the gaze is directed forward, as if in an attitude of concentration or prayer. In his right hand, extended forward like the arm itself, he holds a circular object, perhaps a ritual offering; in the other hand, bent at waist height, he holds what appears to be a small incense burner. On his feet he wears a pair of light sandals.

The statuette was part of a group of six bronze figurines found in the domestic shrine (lararium) of one of the houses of Copiae. Like the others, it conveys meanings connected with the religious sphere. In this case, the capite velato figure—literally “with veiled head”—recalls figures generally depicted in the act of sacrifice, one of the most sacred moments of Roman religious ceremonies.