Corinium Museum- Roman Objects 1

[poliphilo]

The Corinium Museum underwent a multi-million pound refit six years ago- and is now the model of what a small, regional museum can be. It has some fascinating things.

And, o joy, they permit photography.

Here are some objects from the Roman collections.

1. Corinium had its own school of mosaic workers. This is an example of their work.



2. A sculpture- in high relief of the three Matres- or mother goddesses



3. The Matres again



4. A goddess has been joined by the three genii cuculatti- pixie like figures in hooded cloaks. No-one knows quite who they are or what they stand for- but they were widely popular- and one can't help thinking that they influenced medieval faery lore.



5. The genii cuculatti again- reduced to hoodies on legs...

Comments

[sovay]

The genii cuculatti again- reduced to hoodies on legs...

I have no idea what they stand for, either, but they make me think of May Day hobby horses.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean. I wonder if the cucullati relate to some lost tradition of guising.

[sovay]

I wonder if the cucullati relate to some lost tradition of guising.

I don't know how we'd ever find out, but I would love for it to be true.