Silver Handle from a Serving Dish in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Silver handle from a serving dish
Roman, Imperial, early 3rd century AD

Accession # 54.11.8

This handle depicts the triumphal return of Dionysus from India, an important aspect of the mystery cult, symbolizing triumph over death. The scene occurs frequently on contemporary Roman sarcophagi, but here, the procession is shown in the context of Roman trophies, captives, and weapons.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.