Acerra
（
λιβανωτίς, λιβανωτρίς). The incense box used in
sacrifices; called by Servius
arca thuralis.
Horace, enumerating the principal articles necessary in a solemn sacrifice to Iuno, mentions
“Flowers and a box full of frankincense.” In Vergil, Aeneas worships
“with corn and with frankincense from the full acerra” (
Aen. v. 745).
Pliny, enumerating the principal works of Parrhasius of Ephesus, speaks of a picture
representing a priest preparing to sacrifice, with a boy standing beside him, and holding the
incense-box and a wreath of flowers. This was, no doubt, a very common and favourite subject
for artists of every kind. It frequently occurs in bas-reliefs representing sacrifices, and
executed on vases, friezes, and other ancient monuments. It occurs three times on the Columna
Traiana at Rome, and once on the Arch of Constantine.
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Acerra. (Capitoline Museum.)
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The acerra was also, according to Festus, a small altar placed before the dead, on which
perfumes were burned: “
Acerra, ara quae ante mortuum poni solebat, in qua
odores incendebantur.” There was a law in the Twelve Tables which restricted the use
of acerrae at funerals (
De Leg. ii. 24).
