Oscillum Fragment. Roman Emprie, 1st - 2nd century AD. Marble. 38 cm high, 20.3 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. without stand. PROVENANCE: Private collection, New York, United States of America, 1960 - 1970. CONDITION: It has a professionally restored break line in the central part. He has lost half of the oscillum. DESCRIPTION: Oscilla is a word applied in Latin usage to small figures, most commonly masks or faces, which were hung up as offerings to various deities, either for propitiation or expiation, and in connection with festivals and other ceremonies. It is usually taken as the plural of oscillum (diminutive of os), a little face. As the oscilla swung in the wind, oscillare came to mean to swing, hence in English oscillation, the act of swinging backwards and forwards, periodic motion to and fro, hence any variation or fluctuation, actual or figurative. Oscilla tended to be hung between the columns in the peristyle so they moved with the wind, as can still be seen in some houses of Pompeii. Notes: The piece includes authenticity certificate. The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) - If the piece is destined outside the European Union a substitution of the export permit should be requested. #ExclusiveCabinetofCuriosities