Limestone memorial relief: two Roman women c.25 BC-AD 10
The two women, who are named in the inscription as Eleusis and Helena Fonteia, are shown holding right hands and looking out as if from a balcony or window. They were 'libertinae', freedwomen who took the name Fonteia from the owner, Gaia Fonteia, who had given them manumission.
FONTEIA.C.L. ELEUSIS.HODATA.FONTEIA.C.L.HELENA
[the C. for Caia are reversed]
Fonteia Eleusis, freedwoman of Gaia. Fonteia Helena freedwoman of Gaia
It is unusual to see memorials where two women c;lasp hands in this way ('dextrarum iunctio'), a gesture usual for a married couple. They may have been related to each other, or very close friends.
Limestone relief, Italy.
The British Museum, London
Limestone memorial relief: two Roman women c.25 BC-AD 10
The two women, who are named in the inscription as Eleusis and Helena Fonteia, are shown holding right hands and looking out as if from a balcony or window. They were 'libertinae', freedwomen who took the name Fonteia from the owner, Gaia Fonteia, who had given them manumission.
FONTEIA.C.L. ELEUSIS.HODATA.FONTEIA.C.L.HELENA
[the C. for Caia are reversed]
Fonteia Eleusis, freedwoman of Gaia. Fonteia Helena freedwoman of Gaia
It is unusual to see memorials where two women c;lasp hands in this way ('dextrarum iunctio'), a gesture usual for a married couple. They may have been related to each other, or very close friends.
Limestone relief, Italy.
The British Museum, London