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Bronze Roman cupping vessel, 1-79 CE
- Science Museum, London
- Digital Images
- Online
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Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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Credit: Bronze Roman cupping vessel, 1-79 CE.
Credit: Science Museum, London.
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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About this work
Description
Cupping is the practice of placing heated cups or vessels like this on the body to draw out any impurities and bring blood to the surface of the skin. This is known as dry cupping. Wet cupping is when the welts left on the body are cut to let blood flow out. It was believed that this would re-balance the humours and restore a person to health. This object was found during excavations in Pompeii, Italy. It was made before the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 CE, which destroyed the city.
maker: Unknown maker
Place made: Pompeii, Naples, Campania, Italy