Tone on Tone with History
Quiet yet significant.
A small vessel that carries great stories within.
Amid a Roman taberna somewhere in Pompeii: The sun sparkles on the dusty street as a young woman with deft fingers uncorks a small vessel. The scent of rose oil rises—a moment of beauty amidst daily life. Such vessels were not luxury objects of the upper class alone—they were part of the tangible cultural heritage that connected everyday life and ritual.
Ancient Everyday Life Within Reach
The bulbous vessel shown here is based on a so-called Unguentarium, as it was widespread in the Roman Imperial period (1st-3rd century AD). It was used for storing ointments, oils, or essences—often in the context of washing rituals, as a grave offering, or in Roman domestic use. The simple, functional shape with a narrow neck and round body served for dosing and protecting the valuable liquids.
Clay as a Material was both practical and symbolic—ephemeral and enduring at the same time.
What it Contains—and What it Can Do
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Dimensions: Approximately 11-12 cm tall, bulbous shape, narrow neck
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Handmade: Each piece is unique, modeled after ancient designs
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Multifunctional: Ideal for museum education, reenactment, shop, or decoration
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Tangible History: Conveys ancient daily life in a sensory and vivid way
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Sustainable Material: Pure clay—natural and durable
Versatile, Tangible, Instructive
In pedagogical use, it opens doors to sensory history storytelling. It makes Roman everyday life graspable—in the truest sense of the word. The slender opening allows fine dosing of essential oils or colored water, as in antiquity. Ideal for station learning, hands-on activities, or museum rallies. The moment learners hold the vessel in their hands, it creates exactly that: Connection to History.
In reenactment, it offers credible equipment for portraying Roman citizens, traders, or bathhouse visitors. In combination with ointments, honey, or homemade oil mixtures, history comes alive—for visitors, performers, and children's groups alike.
And for museum shops? The tactile appeal, natural simplicity, and narrative power make this vessel a souvenir that is more than just a decorative piece: it is living history!
A Word of Wisdom from Antiquity
“Unguentum dabo, si me amas.”
Graffiti from Pompeii
“I will give you ointment if you love me.”
A sentence inscribed in Roman plaster—half flirtation, half promise. This quote shows: Even the simple ointment vessel was linked with emotions in Roman everyday life. The Unguentarium was more than just a container—it was part of grooming, gifting, ritual.
Feedback from the Present...
“I use it at reenactment performances with fragrant oil—especially children want to smell, touch, and try it out. Fantastic!”
– Reenactor / Hesse
For Lessons and Beyond—Creative Application Ideas
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Roman Scent Course: Station with various oils to be identified—in combination with the vessel
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Archaeological Role Play: Simulation of an excavation where the Unguentarium is found and identified
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Bathhouse Project: In combination with sponge, oil, and strigil as a Roman cleaning ritual
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Interactive Museum: Children's tour with active filling of the vessels—lavender oil, sage, myrrh
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Latin & Everyday Life: Connection of ancient language with a concrete object—for example, with a worksheet on the origin of the word "unguentum"
FAQs - Got Questions About the Unguentarium?
How robust is the vessel? Thanks to sturdy clay processing, it withstands good handling—suitable for school and museum use.
Can it really be filled? Yes—it is fully functional, but not for consumable foods. Ideal for fragrant oils or watercolors for experimenting.
Is every piece the same? No—each is handmade. Minor differences in shape, color tone, and size are part of its authenticity.
Does it fit in a modern classroom? Definitely. With its everyday relevance, the vessel is an ideal entry point for any age group.
Forum Traiani ® | We Make History Graspable!
