Mithraic Lion Face at The Curtius Museum, Liege

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This Mithraic bronze depicts a lion's face, probably once part of a fountain dedicated to worship. Mithraism, also known as the Mythraic mysteries, was a mystery religion centered around the god Mithras that was practiced in the Roman Empire from about the 1st to the 4th century. The religion was inspired by Persian worship of the god Mithra, though the Greek Mithras was linked to new and distinctive imagery, and the level of continuity between Persian and Greco-Roman practice is debated. The mysteries were extremely popular in the Roman military. One of the most characteristic features of the Mysteries is the naked lion-headed figure often found in Mithraic temples, named by modern scholars with descriptive terms such as leontocephaline or leontocephalus. He is entwined by a serpent (or two serpents), with the snake's head often resting on the lion's head. The lion's mouth is often open, giving a horrifying impression. He usually has four wings, two keys (sometimes just one key), and a scepter in his hand. Sometimes the figure stands on a globe inscribed with a diagonal cross. In this figure, the four wings carry symbols of the four seasons, and a thunderbolt is engraved on the breast. At the base of the statue are the hammer and tongs of Vulcan, the cock, and the wand of Mercury. A less common variant of the figure with a human head is also found. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the world for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort, if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help. Scanned: Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)