
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion

PP524
IX. vii. 16
Cult Space Type:
Cult Painting


Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Culina/Kitchen
Description:
In the northwest corner of the kitchen was a cult painting. The painting on the north wall featured the Genius standing beside an altar, pouring a libation from a patera. Assisting the Genius were the tibicen and camillus carrying a shallow dish and taeniae. Behind the Genius stood the popa, holding a knife to the belly of a hog. On each side of the group were the Lares. In the lower zone were two yellow serpents meeting at an altar. On the west wall, the painting featured kitchen objects including a hearth, a hog's head, and a pot on a fire. Traces of earlier cult paintings underneath were visible at the time of excavation. The property is only partially excavated and the location of the kitchen is uncertain. It is also uncertain if the cult paintings are preserved today.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 87 (#436); Giacobello 2008, p. 209 (#105)
Image reference: