Oil Container in the Shape of a Boxer's Head in the Getty Villa, June 2016

Title: Balsamarium in the Form of a Boxer's Head

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Culture: Greco-Roman

Place: Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt (?) (Place created)

Date: A.D. 1–100

Medium: Bronze with silver

Object Number: 2007.14

Dimensions: 17.1 × 15 cm (6 3/4 × 5 7/8 in.)

Alternate Titles: Balsamarium (Display Title)
Oil Jar in the Form of a Boxer’s Head (Display Title)

Object Type: Vessel


Wearing a tight leather helmet, this ancient boxer grimaces fiercely and aggressively confronts the viewer. A curled lip reveals the gaps of missing teeth. His expression causes muscles in his face to stand out along his jaw, cheeks, neck, temples and forehead. His cheeks are clean-shaven, but small tufts of hair bristle at the corners of his mouth. Originally, his eyes and teeth were inlaid with silver, and a handle was attached to the holes on either side of his head.

The vessel served as a balsamarium or situla, a container for holding ointments or oils. Athletes often used such unguents after practice or competition, and so the head of a boxer is an especially appropriate choice for this type of vessel. Though the face looks distinctive, it is best seen as a generic image or type. If offers a stereotyped, or perhaps even exaggerated, depiction of an experienced boxer.


Text from: www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/239706/unknown-maker-balsamarium-in-the-form-of-a-boxer's-head-greco-roman-ad-1-100/