Etruscan Balsamarium in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Balsamarium in the Form of a Deity with Winged Helmet


Creators: Etruscan (Artist)

Period: first half 3rd century BC

Medium: bronze (Metal)

Accession Number: 54.3004

Measurements: 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)

Geographies: Italy (Place of Origin)

This balsamarium could represent Turan, the Etruscan goddess of love and fertility, or one of the Lasas, deities who guard graves. The round, full shapes of the face and the detailed rendering of the hair and eyes enhance the sculptural quality of the figure. It possessed a lid (now missing) and could have been suspended by the two rings on the top of the head. It was used on funerary or cult occasions and as a perfume container.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/2045/balsamarium-in-the-form-of...