1st century BC-2nd century AD. A mixed group of three ladles, or simpuli, comprising: one with spherical bowl, extended flat handle recurved with terminal in the form of a horned ibex head, pointed wings to the handle and rim, stippled design to the handle and concentric circles to the outer bowl; one with spherical bowl, round-section balustered handle recurved with terminal in the form of a horned ibex head, foliate pattern to the rim; and one with flat base and everted flat rim, tapering flat handle recurved with scrolling arms to the rim and neck, and gently curved terminal. Cf. Boucher, S. Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, item 374 for type. 385 grams total, 20.5-25cm (8 - 9 3/4"). Property of a Mayfair lady; formerly in an important London collection formed since 1965. The simpulum, a bronze ladle, played a major role in Roman libation ceremonies where liquid - most often wine, milk or olive oil - was offered to the gods. The hooks commonly found on the rim of the bowl would have allowed the ladle to hang in a libation jug. Decorative terminals were typical, most often depicting the head of a bird, wolf or horned animal. [3] Fine condition.