With Clay and Olive Branch – Bringing Roman Life to Life!
Olives & Ornamentation, History Up Close.
As soon as it rests in the hand, it starts to tell a story. Of markets in Gaul, where merchants display their fine ceramics. Of taverns in Augusta Treverorum, where soldiers from Spain raise a toast with laughter. And of the quiet hand of a potter in Lezoux, pressing rosettes meticulously into soft clay. The delicate lines, the warm red, the olive branches – everything about this bowl whispers: This is not a replica; this is memory fired in clay.
Whoever discovers this bowl today in the museum shop is holding a teaching tool, an exhibit, a storytelling instrument – perfect for making history tangible. For reenactments, for educational museum tours, for vibrant history lessons.
The Story Behind...
The showcased bowl corresponds in shape, decoration, and clay quality to the so-called Terra Sigillata, the famous Roman glossy clay pottery. Specifically, it is typologically assigned to form Dragendorff 37b – a classic vessel from southern and eastern Gallic workshops such as La Graufesenque or Lezoux. This form spread throughout the Roman Empire from the 1st century AD and was an export hit of antiquity.
The floral center band with olive branches and the fine band of vine leaves refer to everyday life and the trade connections of the Roman Empire. The floral decoration was not just a mere ornamentation but also conveyed a notion of prosperity, connection with nature, and Mediterranean lifestyle – central values of the Roman upper class. The rosette border above was considered a fine detail that added a certain elegance to functionality.
With this form, this decor, and the feel of finely polished clay, not only does an authentic prop come to life – but also an educational window into Roman life.
Facts That Impress
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Diameter: about 15 cm – fits well in the hand, ideal for presenting
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Height: about 9.5 cm – compact yet striking
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Volume: about 600 ml – enough space for explanations & exhibition impact
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Decor: stylized olive branches in the center band, finely stamped rosettes on the upper edge
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Material: Replica made of terracotta, inspired by Roman Sigillata ware
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Footring: flat, slightly tapered base for secure presentation
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Form type: Dragendorff 37b / Hayes 36 – based on originals from Lezoux & La Graufesenque
Experience Roman Life with All Senses
This bowl is more than just clay. It is a key to interactive teaching, to walkable history. It bundles form feel, material aesthetics, and symbolic power – exactly as museum educators, teachers, and reenactors need to create images in the mind.
The characteristic olive branches and rosettes make it a visual magnet – whether in the classroom, at a market stall of Living History, or at a participatory offer in the museum.
How Can the Bowl Be Used?
In the Museum: Ideal as a companion object in an exhibition on everyday Roman culture or as a hand object in educational museum tours – e.g., on the subject of Craftsmanship, Eating & Drinking in the Roman Empire.
In Teaching: Can be combined with educational materials, station-based learning, or role-playing. The “Dragendorff 37” form is excellent for tasks like: “What does the decor reveal about eating habits?” or “What significance did olives have in Roman trade?”
In Reenactment: As authentic equipment for Roman depictions of tavern, kitchen, or daily life – believable in every detail.
FAQs – Or as the Romans would say: Quaestiones Selectae
Is the bowl food safe?
Since it is a prop product, there is no certification for active use with food. It is intended for display – not for use.
How stable is it?
The replica is robustly made, but like original Terra Sigillata, it is not suitable for the dishwasher – please treat it as a museum piece.
Where does the design come from?
Based on finds from Lezoux (France) and La Graufesenque – typologically classified according to Dragendorff 37b and Hayes 36.
Is the bowl suitable for children’s projects?
Definitely – with supervision. Particularly effective in school tours or educational workshops with “touch stations.”
A Word of Wisdom from Antiquity
“Ex minimis maxima nascuntur.”
– Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia, Book 11, Chapter 1
“From the tiniest things, the greatest grow.”
Our interpretation: What appears to be a small clay bowl unfolds a great effect when used correctly – especially in history education.
Forum Traiani ® | Because History Enthralls!
