Funeral Stele of Bersis

 

This rectangular slab has a pointed top and a protruding pedestal. A young lady is represented standing, leaning on her right leg with the left leg set slightly sideways. She wears a long chiton and a thicker cloak. The upper hem of the fabric is twisted to form a rolled edge, falling over the elbow of the outstretched left arm. The right hand appears under the upper hem of the cloak and rests on the right breast. The jewels consist of a necklace of oval pearls. The cloak covers the posterior aspect of the cranial vault and descends onto the shoulders. The nose and parts of the lips are chipped off.

The pedestal carries a Greek inscription of four lines with traces of red color as follows:

"Bersis, daughter of Marcellus, died in her 12th year...Antoni{no}s made it.". 

Provenance: al-Ḥārrā.
Era: Roman (2nd-3rd century CE).
Substance: black basalt.
Dimensions: H 106 cm, W 42 cm.
Text: adapted from Weber (p. 40).
Collection: the National Museum of Damascus. 

Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.

Sélim et Andrée Abdul-Hak. Catalogue Illustré du Département des antiquités Gréco-Romaines au Musée de Damas, 1951.

Catalogue du Musée National de Damas. publication de la Direction Générale des Antiquités et des Musées. Damas 1969.

Bersis (fille de) Marcellus